Jim Haslett's journey in professional football began when he was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 1979 NFL Draft. As a linebacker, Haslett quickly established himself as a reliable and tough player on the field. His rookie season was marked by an impressive performance that earned him the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. This accolade set the tone for his career as a player in the National Football League.
During his tenure with the Buffalo Bills, Haslett was known for his strong defensive skills and leadership qualities. He played with the team for eight seasons, from 1979 to 1985, and was a key component of their defense. His ability to read the game and make crucial tackles made him a valuable asset to the Bills' lineup. Despite the challenges faced by the team during those years, Haslett's performance remained consistent, and he was respected by both teammates and opponents.
After his time with the Bills, Haslett joined the New York Jets in 1987. However, his stint with the Jets was short-lived, as he played only one season with the team before retiring from professional football as a player. His playing career may have come to an end, but his involvement in the sport was far from over.
Transitioning from player to coach, Haslett began his coaching career in the NFL with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1993 as a linebackers coach. His understanding of the game and ability to mentor players made him a valuable addition to the coaching staff. He continued to build his coaching resume with various teams, including the New Orleans Saints, where he served as the defensive coordinator from 1996 to 1997.
In 2000, Haslett was appointed as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Under his leadership, the Saints experienced a resurgence, culminating in the team's first playoff victory in franchise history during the 2000 season. Haslett's tenure with the Saints lasted until 2005, and although the team faced ups and downs, his time as head coach is remembered for that historic playoff win.
Following his departure from the Saints, Haslett continued his coaching career with the St. Louis Rams, where he initially served as the defensive coordinator before being named interim head coach in 2008. His experience and knowledge of the game allowed him to guide the team through a challenging season.
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