Yutaka Yamamoto is a genius animator who was responsible for most of the greatness of Haruhi 1st season. He had been a staff of Kyoto Animation, but he was fired after he directed only a few episode of Lucky Star. The reason is not clear to this day, but it is rumored that he had a disagreement with KyoAni staff, or he criticized them. The Haruhi 2nd season project had been started at that time. Thus, the project of Haruhi 2nd season took a hiatus.

Last year, KyoAni announced that they quit the production of 2nd season, and they started "New" Haruhi anime project. I think this means KyoAni decided to make new Haruhi without Yamamoto. But honestly, the one who can make the new Haruhi better than the 1st season is only Yamamoto. Maybe KyoAni realized the fact and can do nothing about it now.