Jim Haslett - NFL Head Coach Biography

Background & Playing Career
Jim Haslett, born December 9, 1955, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a former NFL linebacker and a seasoned football coach. He played college football at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), where he established himself as a standout defender.

Haslett was selected in the second round of the 1979 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. He played for the Bills from 1979 to 1985, earning AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in
1979. Haslett also had a brief stint with the New York Jets before retiring from playing due to injuries.

• Position: Linebacker
• NFL Playing Career: Buffalo Bills (1979–1985), New York Jets (1987, preseason)
• Awards: NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1979)

Coaching Career
After retiring as a player, Haslett quickly transitioned into coaching. He started at the collegiate level at the University at Buffalo before moving into the NFL ranks. He served as a defensive assistant with several teams, building a reputation as a strong defensive mind.

• Los Angeles Raiders – Linebackers Coach (1993–1994)
• New Orleans Saints – Defensive Coordinator (1996), Head Coach (2000–2005)
• Pittsburgh Steelers – Defensive Coordinator (1997–1999)
• St. Louis Rams – Defensive Coordinator (2006–2008), Interim Head Coach (2008)
• Washington Football Team – Defensive Coordinator (2010–2014)
• Cincinnati Bengals – Linebackers Coach (2016–2018)
• Tennessee Titans – Inside Linebackers Coach (2020–2021)
• Seattle Sea Dragons (XFL) – Head Coach (2022–present)

Head Coaching Highlights & Accomplishments
Haslett’s most notable head coaching tenure was with the New Orleans Saints. In his first season (2000), he led the Saints to a 10–6 record, an NFC West title, and their first-ever playoff victory. For his effort, he was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year (2000). While his later seasons with the Saints were less successful, he remained a respected figure in NFL coaching circles.

He later served as the interim head coach for the St. Louis Rams in 2008.

After his NFL stints, Haslett continued coaching in the XFL, becoming head coach of the Seattle Sea Dragons in
2022. Relevant Facts & Legacy

• Known for his defensive expertise and leadership skills.
• Noted for turning around struggling teams, particularly the Saints in 2000.
• Respected as both a player and a coach in NFL circles for over four decades.

Legacy & Career Overview

Jim Haslett: NFL Head Coach – Comprehensive Biography

Early Life and Background
Jim Haslett was born on December 9, 1955 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a city renowned for its deep football roots and blue-collar toughness. Growing up in the Steel City, Haslett developed a passion for the game early, playing high school football at Avalon High School before advancing to college ball. His upbringing in a rugged football environment shaped his approach to the game as both a player and coach. College Career
Haslett attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), a Division II school, where he played linebacker. His standout performances at IUP earned him recognition as one of the top defensive players in school history, ultimately leading to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame (Division II) in
2001. NFL Playing Career
Jim Haslett was selected in the second round (51st overall) of the 1979 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. He quickly established himself as a hard-nosed and intelligent linebacker. In his rookie season, Haslett made an immediate impact, earning the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award in
1979. He played for the Bills from 1979 to 1985, starting 70 games and recording 5.5 sacks and 6 interceptions during his career. Injuries, particularly a series of leg and knee issues, cut his playing days short. He briefly played for the New York Jets (preseason) in 1987 but ultimately retired as a player. Coaching Career
Jim Haslett transitioned to coaching in the late 1980s, beginning with college and quickly moving up the ranks:

• University at Buffalo (Linebackers Coach, 1988): His first major coaching job, laying the groundwork for his NFL ascent.
• Los Angeles Raiders (NFL Assistant, 1993-1994): Gained valuable NFL coaching experience as a linebackers coach.
• New Orleans Saints (Defensive Coordinator, 1996): Built a reputation as a creative defensive strategist.
• Pittsburgh Steelers (Defensive Coordinator, 1997-1999): Led consistently strong defenses under Bill Cowher.

NFL Head Coach: New Orleans Saints (2000-2005)
In 2000, Haslett became the 13th head coach of the New Orleans Saints. He inherited a struggling franchise and immediately engineered a turnaround, leading the Saints to a 10-6 record and their first-ever playoff victory (defeating the defending Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams in the 2000 Wild Card round). That season, he was named AP NFL Coach of the Year — a testament to his dramatic impact. During his six-year tenure (2000-2005), Haslett compiled a record of 45–51 in the regular season and 1–1 in the playoffs. The Saints made the postseason once under his leadership, but he is remembered for bringing respectability and competitiveness to a franchise long synonymous with losing. He faced significant adversity, especially during the tumultuous 2005 season when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Saints had to play all their games on the road. Later NFL Coaching Roles
After his time with the Saints, Haslett continued to be a respected defensive mind:

• St. Louis Rams (Defensive Coordinator, 2006-2008; Interim Head Coach, 2008): Took over as interim head coach after Scott Linehan’s firing. Finished the season 2–10.
• Washington Football Team (Defensive Coordinator, 2010-2014): Oversaw defensive units for five seasons, including the NFC East-winning 2012 squad.
• Cincinnati Bengals (Linebackers Coach, 2016-2018): Worked with young linebackers, contributing to player development.

Other Coaching Ventures
Haslett has also coached in alternative leagues:

• Florida Tuskers (UFL Head Coach, 2009): Led the team to a 6-0 regular-season record and an appearance in the UFL Championship Game.
• Tennessee Titans (Inside Linebackers Coach, 2020-2021): Continued his NFL coaching career working under Mike Vrabel.
• Seattle Sea Dragons (Head Coach, XFL, 2023): Haslett was named head coach of the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons, further showcasing his passion for developing players and building teams.

Coaching Philosophy and Reputation
Jim Haslett is known for his aggressive, blitz-heavy defensive schemes and direct, energetic coaching style. He has a reputation for being a players’ coach, respected for his honesty, toughness, and ability to motivate. While his overall NFL head coaching record is below .500, his impact on the New Orleans Saints franchise remains significant, as he set the stage for future success under Sean Payton. Personal Life and Legacy
Haslett is married to Beth and has three children. He is remembered as one of the few to win both AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and AP NFL Coach of the Year — a rare double. His legacy is that of a tenacious player-turned-coach who helped revive a floundering franchise and made a lasting mark on multiple organizations across the NFL and beyond.
Career Highlights & Honors

• AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1979)
• AP NFL Coach of the Year (2000)
• First playoff win in New Orleans Saints history (2000)
• College Football Hall of Fame (Division II, 2001)

Summary
Jim Haslett’s NFL journey is emblematic of football’s grit and resilience. From standout linebacker to innovative coach and leader, he has navigated both triumph and adversity, leaving a distinct imprint on every team he’s touched.