Falcons Interested in Saints Ex Head Coach as New Defensive Coordinator?

The Atlanta Falcons have a gap on the defensive coordinator and the workforce might be taking a look at one other NFL veteran.

With Dean Pees asserting his retirement Monday, the Falcons are instantly starting their seek for his substitute. In accordance with KOA 850 in Colorado, the Falcons have reached out to veteran defensive coach Jim Haslett.

Haslett, 67, is at the moment getting ready to teach the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons for the 2023 season.

Haslett performed seven seasons as a linebacker for the Buffalo Payments from 1979-85 earlier than transitioning to the sideline as a coach. He was a defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints (1996), Pittsburgh Steelers (1997-99), St. Louis Rams (2006-08) and Washington Redskins (2010-14). He additionally served because the Saints head coach from 2000-05.

Haslett additionally has connections to key members of the Falcons’ brass. Common supervisor Terry Fontenot labored for the Saints alongside Haslett from 2003-05. Head coach Arthur Smith was on the identical teaching employees with Haslett for the Tennessee Titans in 2020.

Bringing in one other veteran, one which has labored with Fontenot and Smith earlier than, could be a easy transition from transferring off of Pees. Nonetheless, it will take rather a lot for Haslett to maneuver away from his head teaching place for the XFL season, which begins subsequent month. 

However, you may’t get a ‘sure’ should you do not ask.

Observe Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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