Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Bold Predictions for Todd Haley's First Season as OC

Following January's disappointing conclusion to the 2011 NFL season, then-offensive coordinator Bruce Arians suffered the consequences and was not given a new contract to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers organization in 2012.

Newly added offensive coordinator Todd Haley should come in and make a splash, but his impact with the team is difficult to predict considering the contrast in styles he's had throughout his years in the NFL.

Haley was the Arizona Cardinals' offensive coordinator in 2007 and 2008 and led an incredible passing game to Super Bowl XLIII against the Steelers.

Last year, however, he organized a powerful running game as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, posing the question, which part of the Steelers' offense will see the most improvement heading into next season?

While the season is still months away from kicking off, the potential of the team with Haley is sky high, and it's never too early to begin looking ahead if you're ready for Steelers football to return with a bang in 2012.

Ben Roethlisberger and Todd Haley Will Be Fine Together

Much has been made about Ben Roethlisberger's early relationship with Todd Haley, but when it comes down to it, both men are professionals, and both should work together nicely come next season.

From the sound of his initial press conference, Haley is not looking to change the system; just utilize the talent already on the roster, and you don't have to look any further than Roethlisberger to find talent.

Will the two be best friends? Not likely.

Coming off a 4,000-yard season, though, if Roethlisberger can improve his Passer (QB) Rating of 90.1, he should be able to build upon an offensive system that will likely remained unchanged despite the arrival of the new coordinator.

Isaac Redman Will Be the Starter All Season

If Isaac Redman is going to start in the backfield throughout the entire 2012 season, the most likely reason is because Rashard Mendenhall is unable to return to the Steelers' lineup.

The other reason, however, will be because he genuinely deserves it.

If Mendenhall is able to return, the physical style of Redman can make up for any poor play from the offensive line and should keep him in the starting lineup despite Pittsburgh's depth in the backfield.

Although the passing game could prove to be the Steeler's go-to next season, Redman showed that he can make a difference last season, rushing for 121 yards on just 17 carriers in the team's playoff loss to the Denver Broncos.

Mike Wallace Will Lead the AFC in Receiving

Bold prediction No. 1 here is that Mike Wallace will be back with the Pittsburgh Steelers next season.

Former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward offered some advice to Wallace, saying that "there's not another place like Pittsburgh."

The second part of this prediction should be very attainable under Todd Haley. 

Wallace was third in the NFC in receiving two seasons ago and last year finished fourth despite Ben Roethlisberger posting his worst Passer (QB) Rating since 2008—the second worst of his career.

Haley led an incredible offensive attack as a coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals. In his two seasons with the team, Larry Fitzgerald led the NFC is receiving, which is something he hasn't done in any season under any other coach.

The Steelers Will Be in Top 10 in Scoring

If the aforementioned predictions can come true, there's no reason the Pittsburgh Steelers couldn't return to the top 10 in scoring next season.

The Steelers haven't been in the top 10 in scoring since 2007, and dropping down to 21st last year likely played a major role in the releasing of former offensive coordinator Bruce Arians.

Arians didn't appear to be the guy who was going to get this team back to a Super Bowl, and now, Haley has the chance to help Ben Roethlisberger boost his touchdowns, cut his interceptions and improve the team's red-zone touchdown ability, which was 17th in the league last season.

Steelers Will Win AFC North

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had back-to-back 12-4 seasons. While there are certainly question marks surrounding certain aspects of the team, it's difficult to imagine the Pittsburgh Steelers taking a step in the wrong direction with Todd Haley assisting Mike Tomlin next season.

The Steelers were the No. 1 passing defense and eighth-best rushing defense in the league last year, but their No. 21 scoring offense kept them from making the leap to the next level.

The Baltimore Ravens are going to be tough to get past in the AFC North next season, but if all things go according to plan and the offense can click on all cylinders, the Steelers could make the leap to the top of the division by the end of the 2012 NFL season.