"If we're talking lightning-rod local sports figures since 2000 -- and why wouldn't we be? -- then Bruce Arians deserves special mention.

He might even be in the Hall of Fame.

Kordell Stewart, Bill Cowher, Bob Nutting, Ben Roethlisberger, Marc-Andre Fleury, Mike Mularkey, Tommy Maddox, Matt Cavanaugh, Walt Harris and Dave Wannstedt, among others, spring to mind.

The mere mention of any of the above could spark weeks of irrational talk-show debate. Sometimes years.

Can you imagine if the Steelers hire ex-Colts coach Jim Caldwell as their new offensive coordinator? Within three games his blank stare would become a reliable source of fan fury.

Arians was magical in his ability to inspire rage. When he "retired" Friday -- kind of the way Wannstedt "resigned" from Pitt -- lines lit up with desired replacements."