Jim Haslett and the Washington Redskins have had a ‘concious uncoupling’ after five seasons as defensive co-ordinatorThe Associated Press
Jim Haslett is done as the Washington Redskins' defensive co-ordinator after five seasons.
The Redskins never finished better than 20th in the 32-team NFL in points allowed during his tenure. They were 29th in that category this season, and 30th a year earlier.
Haslett's departure, announced by the team Wednesday morning, is the first fallout after Washington finished 4-12 for its sixth last-place finish in the NFC East over the past seven years.
The Redskins said in a news release that the team and Haslett "have mutually agreed to part ways."
Haslett joined the team when Mike Shanahan became head coach and worked under him for four years. Haslett then was kept aboard when Shanahan was fired after last season and replaced by first-time NFL head coach Jay Gruden.
Gruden once worked for Haslett in the now-defunct UFL.
On Monday, Gruden said he "would recommend keeping" Haslett.
Bruce Allen, the Redskins' president and general manager, said at a news conference Wednesday that Haslett's exit "was the right decision."
"Jay and Jim had been talking the last few days," Allen said. "This morning when they were talking, they decided it was the best way for both sides."
Allen said other defensive assistant coaches had not been let go.
"We'll start the defensive co-ordinator search later today and start exploring some names and bring in some people for interviews," Allen said. "But Jay will make those decisions later."