clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

New Orleans Saints History: Jim Haslett Becomes Head Coach

On this day in Saints history, February 3rd, 2000, the team hired defensive coordinator Jim Haslett as the 13th head coach in club history.

Rafael Suanes-US PRESSWIRE

Jim Haslett first joined the Saints' staff as linebackers coach in 1995 before being promoted to defensive coordinator the following season. But he would actually leave the organization between 1997 and 1999 to become defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Fourteen years ago today in 2000, however, Haslett would return to New Orleans to become the 13th head coach in franchise history following a dismal 3-13 season under Mike Ditka.

In his first season with the Saints, he guided the team to a 10-6 regular-season record, their second NFC West division championship, and the first playoff victory in franchise history, defeating the St. Louis Rams. He was named NFL Coach of the Year for guiding the impressive turnaround. It would be all downhill from there as Haslett would lead the Saints to a subpar 45-51 record over six seasons and never make the playoffs again.

Team

Year

Regular Season

Post Season

Won

Lost

Ties

Win %

Finish

Won

Lost

Win %

Result

NOR

2000

10

6

0

.625

1st in NFC West

1

1

.500

Lost to Minnesota Vikings in NFC Divisional Game.

NOR

2001

7

9

0

.438

3rd in NFC West

-

-

-

-

NOR

2002

9

7

0

.563

3rd in NFC South

-

-

-

-

NOR

2003

8

8

0

.500

2nd in NFC South

-

-

-

-

NOR

2004

8

8

0

.500

2nd in NFC South

-

-

-

-

NOR

2005

3

13

0

.188

4th in NFC South

-

-

-

-

NOR Total

45 51 0 .469 1 1 .500

Haslett would eventually be fired in 2006 following a 3-13 season during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He would move on to become defensive coordinator and interim head coach of the St. Louis Rams from 2006 to 2009 followed by a brief stint as head coach of the UFL's Florida Tuskers in 2009.

Haslett has been the defensive coordinator of the Washington Redskins since 2010.