Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

Jim Haslett's NO debut in 2000 has simply got to be a solid candidate for best-ever performance by a first-year HC. Taking them to a 10-6 division title right off the bat and beating the defending-Champs in the 1st-round (of course first playoff-win in franchise history). Yes, a soft schedule but much more-so to be considered is the serious mess that Ditka left behind; 3-13 the year prior along with, of course, trading away all 1999's draft picks, and also 2000's first-rounder, for Ricky Williams.

A 7-5 start in 2001 only to lose the rest of their games as well as starting 9-4 in 2002 but also losing the rest of their games thus costing them the playoffs. Mediocre as well in both '03 & '04 with Katrina sure-enough being the reason for Haslett's first outright bad season in 2005. But still no playoffs since his first year, so he got the axe.

What are your takes on this period in the Big Easy that spanned between Ditka and Payton/Brees?

Rick Venturi always seemed to land the jobs in his lengthy career. He was high on-staff for both Ditka and Haslett runs.

Jim Haslett and Jack Del Rio were similar coaches. They had talent on their teams but underachieved. Both were somewhat arrogant and rubbed some fans and players the wrong way. With the Saints, Haslett made the decision to jettison Ricky Williams for Duece McCallister that seemed to be the right decision at the time with Williams having team problems and a ridiculous contract he couldnt live up to. McCallister played well before getting hurt, while Williams retired before finishing out a good but disappointing career. Had Haslett handled him better, he might have thrived but Williams just couldnt adjust at the time.