Washington Redskins hire Haslett to run their defense
After a year, in what some are calling football purgatory, coaching for the up start UFL Jim Haslett has been by the new regime in Washington to run a new and improved Redskin defense. This is an excellent hire, and further proof that the Redskins might finally be on the right road, after years of mismanagement by their owner Daniel Snyder. New Head Coach, Mike Shanahan, wants Haslett to bring in a 3-4 defensive scheme, that can take advantage of the biggest asset on the Redskin roster, one Albert Hayensworth.
Last year Haslett spent his time directing the Florida Tuskers to an undefeated season, who then lost the UFL championship to Las Vegas. Even with that undefeated season his record as a Head Coach is somewhat in question. He did a pretty decent job running the New Orleans Saints, and filled in as the St. Louis Rams interim coach two seasons ago, but he built up his name as a defensive guy. Now he gets the chance to prove it is an elite NFL level coach.
Haslett has previously worked for the Raiders, the Sacramento Surge of the WLAF, The Saints, and Pittsburgh Steelers, in various jobs on the defensive side of the ball. Mostly as Defensive Coordinator. He broke into coaching at the University of Buffalo as an assistant coach. Throughout his career he has built several 3-4 defenses, but his last few stops including the Florida Tuskers all ran a base 4-3 defense.
This move of course leaves a hole on for the Florida Tuskers to fill. It seems very likely that Tuskers Offensive Coordinator Jay Gruden, brother of former NFL Head Coach John Gruden will get that job. Gruden has Head Coaching experience in the old Arena league with the Orlando Predators. While there he won two league championships.
