Catholic Guilt
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How about some links to back up your rumors?
Coach Jim Haslett, who has notched 42 regular-season victories and the first playoff win in franchise history since being hired in early 2000, enters his sixth season as Head Coach of the New Orleans Saints. After five years of carefully rebuilding the roster following a six-season stretch (1994-99) where the Saints only posted 32 wins, Haslett's overall victory total -- 43 including the playoffs -- and winning percentage (.524) already rank second in team record books among the club's 13 head coaches.
To get his message across, he fosters teamwork while relying on this foundation of beliefs: Intensity for four quarters, endless preparation and a dedication to the basics of blocking and tackling. In an NFL era where the makeup of a team can change dramatically each year because of free agency, Haslett's ability to rapidly create a winning, united atmosphere within those who were once football strangers ranks among his greatest strengths.
Though his focus remains firmly on the future, the Saints' successes over his first five seasons cannot be ignored. Never has his gritty leadership and single-minded determination been more evident than in 2004. After a spate of injuries hamstrung the team early and a trio of defeats came by a touchdown or less, Haslett rallied New Orleans to four-straight victories over the final month and on the cusp of a playoff berth. Though the Saints ranked among the conference's hottest teams, the club was left on the outside of the postseason by the league's tie-breaker system.
The offense again sparkled in 2004, ranking among the team's all-time top 10 in scoring -- as the Saints have each year since Haslett's arrival. New Orleans scored three touchdowns or more in 11 games, and QB Aaron Brooks, RB Deuce McAllister and WR Joe Horn combined to give the Saints one of the top three-position combined yardage seasons in club history.
In 2003, Haslett molded a roster full of inexperienced youngsters including eight new starters sprinkled throughout the lineup -- into a formidable unit. New Orleans bounced back from a 1-4 start to win seven of the final 11 contests -- with three of the four defeats coming by a touchdown or less -- as Haslett held the club together during a difficult beginning to keep the Saints in playoff contention until the 16th week of the season.
The offense had another record-breaking season, setting club marks for third-down conversions (106), third-down conversion percentage (46.3) and fewest interceptions thrown (eight) while RB Deuce McAllister emerged as one of the NFL's best players. And on defense, New Orleans held 11 opponents to 20 points or less and gave up an average of 12 points per game in December.
Despite having 10 new starters in 2002, the Saints posted a 9-7 record that included a pair of memorable victories over the Super Bowl XXXVII-Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. New Orleans led the NFC with a team-record 432 points that season, while the special teams emerged as one of the league's most opportunistic units.
Observers predicted a lengthy rebuilding project when Haslett arrived in 2000, but the strong-willed coach ignored that timetable and the expectations surrounding the Saints have grown with his demanding standards.
Haslett's keen attention to detail and commitment to preparation are best reflected in the way New Orleans has performed on the road under his leadership. The Saints are 23-16 (.600) in enemy stadiums since Haslett's arrival -- the best road winning percentage in team history for a head coach -- despite the club having dropped the previous 14 away games before he was hired.
Haslett led New Orleans to the NFC West title and a playoff victory in 2000. The team put an exclamation point on an eventful season with a 31-28 triumph over the St. Louis Rams to notch the first-ever playoff win in New Orleans. With that victory, Haslett had led the Saints to greater heights in his first season than the previous 12 head coaches in franchise history combined. Following that historic effort, Haslett was a unanimous selection for NFL Coach of the Year.
Haslett's 42 regular-season victories ranks second in club history, trailing only Jim Mora's 93 wins from 1986-96. And by entering his sixth season in 2004, Mora is the only head coach who has led the Saints for a longer period.
A 23-year veteran of the NFL as a player and coach, Haslett was hired by New Orleans on Feb. 3, 2000. With the reputation as a player's coach who accepted little nonsense, Haslett's coaching star had been on the rise in league circles for years. He spent 1997-99 as defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, where his aggressive schemes helped create some of the NFL's most dominating units. He tutored a defense that led Pittsburgh to the AFC Championship Game in 1997.
This is Haslett's second tour of duty in New Orleans. He spent two years with the Saints, as linebackers coach in 1995 followed by a stint as the defensive coordinator under Mora in 1996. In his first season as coordinator, New Orleans improved from 22nd to 13th in the NFL in defense.
From 1993-94, Haslett was linebackers coach for the Los Angeles Raiders. In 1993, the Raiders posted a 10-6 record, while current Saints linebackers coach Winston Moss had one of the best seasons. Haslett's contributions helped push the Raiders' defense to a top 10 ranking both years. From 1991-92, Haslett was defensive coordinator for the Sacramento Surge of the World League. In 1992, the Surge won the WLAF title. Serving on Haslett's staff that year as a defensive assistant was Rick Mueller, now the Saints' Director of Player Personnel.
Haslett opened his coaching career in 1988, handling linebackers at the University of Buffalo. A year later he was promoted to defensive coordinator and served in that capacity for two years.
The bedrock of Haslett's coaching principles was forged during his stellar playing career. After being drafted out of Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the second round of the 1979 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills, Haslett was voted the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year. He played eight seasons with the Bills -- earning All-Pro honors in 1981 and finished his career in 1987 with the New York Jets.
Haslett played defensive end at IUP, where he was a four-time All-American. He enrolled at IUP and joined the football team as a walk-on, yet still set school records with 20 sacks and five fumble recoveries in a season. As a senior Haslett even took over as punter and averaged 41.5 yards. His career was recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001.
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Great! Another head coach complete with excuses for his failures.
There's no rational reason to bring Jim Haslett to the Bills. If Haslett had never suited up for Buffalo, no one would want him here. He's done nothing to warrant serious interest. Nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, NOTHING.
I know this is a wacky idea, but what about bringing in a coach who's actually achieved some degree of success before? It might fail, but who knows, we haven't tried it... ever.
Then by your wishes, New England would have not hired one Bill Belichick, a failure in this previous head coaching gig in Cleveland.
Belichick with the Cleveland Browns Regular Season 36-44 (.450); Postseason 1-1 (.500). Bill Belichick has won 10 consecutive playoff games – longest streak in NFL history. He owns the all-time best playoff record of 11-1 (.917) and is 16-1 (.941) in games after Christmas Day since joining Patriots in 2000. Not bad for a guy who got ran out of town in Cleveland...
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Here you go you lazy bastard....
and if you're more lazy than I thought....
Again, google is your friend...
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Please people, get a grip.
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He had tremendous talent with the Saints and did nothing. All he did was whine this year and never once showed any leadership skills. He is a pitiful Head Coach and no way should he come to Buffalo as a Head Coach. I don't know how or why anybody in the press at this point would have a clue if the Bills are interested in him. MM has not even walked out the door. The intrest in Haslett is a bogus report.
I have seen these Saints over the years in person here in Carolina. When they are healthy, a good team. But I've not heard of the whinning you claim.
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Dante -
He hasn't had much to work with over the years. His QB stinks (Brooks), good running back who was on IR for most of the season. Add all this to the fiasco called Katrinia.
I like his passion for the game. I remember him when he played for the Billygoats and his motor was always running. I think his players will respond likewise. BRING BACK PART OF THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE!!!!!
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Press conference is tomorrow noon at the stadium.
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From ESPN - MM is very unhappy and having a tough time having assistant coaches to come and work for him. See him as a lame duck coach. He wasn't happy his buddy TD got the boot.
Jim Haslett is the leading man to for the job.
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crazy time at TBD!
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Don't you think this guy is relatively pleased with the outcome of all this? The hubbub is what every author wants, good or bad. There's a thread about this book, not because Oprah liked it, but because of the media attention for it's inaccuracies. I originally responded because Stojan said he's backtracking, and I don't think so...I think he's eating this up.
I don't think so. The Smoking Gun website has proved him to be a liar. The only reason Oprah is standing behind him is her good name. Watching him on King last night you can see the cracks in the facade. It is getting to him...
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The only thing that bugged me - they didn't see if the radio in the plane worked or bring back any supplies from the plane.
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Are you kidding????? Why do you think companies LOVE to be included in Oprah's favorite Things for Christmas list. Millions of people listen to what she says and recommends.
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Hear me out.
When Bills were scouting the '95 draft, they knew that QB was a prime need, and that they wouldn't have a shot at McNair or Kerry Collins. So, they sent every scout & offensive position coach to scour the country to find the next best guy. Todd Collins was hands down the choice, after game tapes, numerous workouts, and interviews.
We know that he wasn't ready when he played here. But, it wasn't Marv that cut him loose.
He's looked decent in KC, and doesn't have any miles on him.
Bring back Todd.
GG - do they drug test at your workplace?
Mike Sherman as a HC
in The Stadium Wall Archives
Posted
Gap - Is there a coach you DO like?