Jim Haslett is out as defensive coordinator of Washington’s NFL team after five seasons with the franchise.
Haslett and the team “mutually agreed to part ways,” the franchise announced in press release Wednesday.
“Jim and I have had discussions over the last few days and have decided that it’s best for everyone that we have a new Defensive Coordinator for the [team],” head coach Jay Gruden said in a statement. “I wish him nothing but the best in the future.”
Earlier this week, Gruden said he’d recommend retaining Haslett, according to Comcast SportsNet. The two coached together in the United Football League in 2009. Haslett joined Washington as a member of Mike Shanahan’s staff in 2010. He had previously been head coach of the New Orleans Saints from 2000 to 2005 and stepped in as interim head coach of the St. Louis Rams in 2008.
Washington has allowed opponents to score the NFC’s second-highest total of points in each of the last two seasons. The local team has compiled a 7-25 record in that span.
“Jay and I mutually agreed it’s time for the [team] to have a new Defensive Coordinator,” Haslett said in a statement. “I want to thank Dan Snyder, Bruce Allen, Coach Gruden and all the players and fellow coaches for their efforts the last five years and I wish them nothing but the best.”
Washington General Manager Bruce Allen said Wednesday, during a much-maligned press conference, that the search for a new defensive coordinator will begin later Wednesday, according to The Washington Post.
