ChrisCooleyFan
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http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsi...defen.html#more
Redskins hire Haslett as defensive coordinator
(Updated at 9:45 p.m.)
Jim Haslett and the Redskins struck a deal Tuesday night that makes Haslett the team's new defensive coordinator and means the Redskins will have a markedly different defensive philosophy going forward.
Haslett was in Ashburn on Monday, and a league source told the Post's Mark Maske that the two sides struck a deal Tuesday night. The agreement means that Mike Shanahan has now lined up both of his coordinators. His son, Kyle Shanahan, is leaving his position as offensive coordinator in Houston and is expected in Ashburn next week.
Haslett was also a candidate for the Giants' defensive coordinator opening, and reportedly was due in New York for an interview on Wednesday.
The Redskins also considered secondary coach Jerry Gray, who also interviewed for head coach Jim Zorn's job. It's widely believed their first target was Cincinnati's Mike Zimmer, who signed a three-year contract extension with the Bengals today.
Haslett replaces Greg Blache, the Redskins' defensive coordinator the past two seasons who is expected to retire.
Haslett brings an impressive resume to his new position, having previously served as head coach in New Orleans from 2000-05 and as interim coach in St. Louis in 2008. Last season, he coached the Florida franchise in the UFL's inaugural season. He's also served as defensive coordinator in St. Louis, New Orleans and Pittsburgh. He has a reputation for using aggressive defenses and found success with the Steelers using the 3-4 defense, a formation that Shanahan has explored using.
Haslett inherits a defense that was ranked fourth in the NFL in 2008 and 10th in league last season and has considerable personnel returning. Players such as Brian Orakpo, Andre Carter and Albert Haynesworth could give him the flexibility to install a 3-4 defense. The pass defense was ranked No. 8 in the league last year and the Redskins posted 40 sacks, which also ranked them eighth.
Blache had used a similar system as his predecessor, Gregg Williams, though he took a more conservative approach because of personnel, prompting public complaints from Haynesworth, who was upset with how he was being used.
With Haslett now wearing a Washington headset, it's widely believed a more aggressive attack could be on the horizon
Redskins hire Haslett as defensive coordinator
(Updated at 9:45 p.m.)
Jim Haslett and the Redskins struck a deal Tuesday night that makes Haslett the team's new defensive coordinator and means the Redskins will have a markedly different defensive philosophy going forward.
Haslett was in Ashburn on Monday, and a league source told the Post's Mark Maske that the two sides struck a deal Tuesday night. The agreement means that Mike Shanahan has now lined up both of his coordinators. His son, Kyle Shanahan, is leaving his position as offensive coordinator in Houston and is expected in Ashburn next week.
Haslett was also a candidate for the Giants' defensive coordinator opening, and reportedly was due in New York for an interview on Wednesday.
The Redskins also considered secondary coach Jerry Gray, who also interviewed for head coach Jim Zorn's job. It's widely believed their first target was Cincinnati's Mike Zimmer, who signed a three-year contract extension with the Bengals today.
Haslett replaces Greg Blache, the Redskins' defensive coordinator the past two seasons who is expected to retire.
Haslett brings an impressive resume to his new position, having previously served as head coach in New Orleans from 2000-05 and as interim coach in St. Louis in 2008. Last season, he coached the Florida franchise in the UFL's inaugural season. He's also served as defensive coordinator in St. Louis, New Orleans and Pittsburgh. He has a reputation for using aggressive defenses and found success with the Steelers using the 3-4 defense, a formation that Shanahan has explored using.
Haslett inherits a defense that was ranked fourth in the NFL in 2008 and 10th in league last season and has considerable personnel returning. Players such as Brian Orakpo, Andre Carter and Albert Haynesworth could give him the flexibility to install a 3-4 defense. The pass defense was ranked No. 8 in the league last year and the Redskins posted 40 sacks, which also ranked them eighth.
Blache had used a similar system as his predecessor, Gregg Williams, though he took a more conservative approach because of personnel, prompting public complaints from Haynesworth, who was upset with how he was being used.
With Haslett now wearing a Washington headset, it's widely believed a more aggressive attack could be on the horizon
about his ability as I never thought of him as a defensive guy either.
