HEADLINES

Jim Haslett

Coaching Notes: Fisch, Texans, Bears, Haslett

January 9th, 2015 at 10:59am CST by Ben Levine

Some within the Lions organizations could be working elsewhere next season, but general manager Martin Mayhew has no issues with that. In fact, he spoke fondly about two members of his staff, endorsing both vice president of pro personnel Sheldon White and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. Mayhew first touched on White, who is being considered for the GM job with the Eagles. Via ESPN.com’s Michael Rothstein:

“He’s been phenomenal. He’s exceptional at what he does. Outstanding evaluator. There are a lot of guys on this roster that he brought to the table. Rashean Mathis, for example, is a guy that he saw on tape and he brought up his desire to work Rashean out. I was against it. I was saying this is an older guy — how is this guy going to help us.

“He talked me into working him out and he had a phenomenal workout. He was exceptional in every way, shape and form, so we ended up signing him. Obviously he’s worked out great for us the last two years, having Rashean here.

“George Johnson is a guy who he brought to me who I had never seen, we signed him. I had never seen him on tape at the time that we signed him and, as you know, George made our team this year and was a big-time contributor for us. He’s always looking; he’s always in his office evaluating tape and trying to find players that can help us win. I think he’d be a great general manager.”

Mayhew also spoke about his defensive coordinator, who has multiple interviews for head coaching positions:

“He did a phenomenal job with the group and I think he has a lot of ability. I think he’s certainly capable of being a head coach in the NFL. I think I said that when he got here that at some point he’d have an opportunity to do that.

“He’s certainly worthy of the opportunity.”

Let’s take a look at some more coaching notes from around the league…

  • Former Jaguars offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch will be joining Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, as Peter Schrager of Fox Sports tweets that he’ll be offered the pass game coordinator job with the Wolverines. Bruce Feldman adds that Fisch will also be the quarterbacks and receivers coach. Fisch was let go by Jacksonville in late December.
  • We learned yesterday that the Texans wouldn’t be bringing back offensive line coach Paul Dunn, and the team has already found a replacement. Fox Sports’ Alex Marvez tweets that Houston will add Jets assistant coach Mike Devlin to their staff to replace Dunn.
  • The Bears announced (on Twitter) that they interviewed Todd Bowles for their head-coaching position yesterday. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune tweets that the interview went well, adding that the Cardinals defensive coordinator is set to meet with the 49ers today.
  • Following up on a report that the Giants requested permission to interview Washington defensive backs coach Raheem Morris for their defensive coordinator opening, Mike Jones of the Washington Post tweets that Washington granted gave the division-rival Giants the green light, while Albert Breer of the NFL Network says (via Twitter) that the interview will happen this morning.
  • Since leaving his role as Washington‘s defensive coordinator, Jim Haslett has received inquiries from a number of teams, according to Mike Jones of the Washington Post (Twitter link), who adds that it’s not clear yet whether he’ll interview for jobs.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Washington, DC Jim Haslett Part Ways

December 31st, 2014 at 9:12am CST by Luke Adams

Jim Haslett is out as the defensive coordinator in Washington, the team announced today (via Twitter). In breaking the news, the club classified Haslett’s departure as a mutual agreement between the two sides to part ways.

“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 Washington Redskins,” head coach Jay Gruden said in a statement, per Mike Jones of the Washington Post (Twitter links). “I wish him nothing but the best in the future.”

Despite Gruden telling reporters earlier this week that he would recommend retaining Haslett, the defensive coordinator was viewed as a candidate to be fired this week after his unit struggled in 2014. Per Football Outsiders, the team’s defense finished 27th in DVOA, including 32nd against the pass. Washington also allowed 27.4 points per game this season, tied for the third-worst mark in the NFL.

Washington will now be in the market for a new defensive coordinator for the first time since 2010. It’s not clear yet who will be on the club’s list of candidates, but more teams are seeking a new offensive coordinator than a DC at this point, so Washington could get a head-start on interviewing potential targets.

NFC Notes: Melton, Falcons, Clark, McManis

December 29th, 2014 at 2:45pm CST by Luke Adams

Ndamukong Suh‘s one-game suspension is the bigger story, but the Lions may not be the only team in this weekend’s Wild Card showdown with the Cowboys that’s missing a key defensive tackle. As Ian Rapoport of NFL.com first reported (via Twitter), Cowboys lineman Henry Melton sustained a leg injury that could sideline him for the postseason. Melton’s agent, Jordan Woy, confirmed to Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com (Twitter link) that his client suffered a bone bruise on his knee, and the timeline for his return appears to be a matter of weeks rather than days.

Here’s more from around the NFC on a busy Monday:

  • In addition to requesting permission to speak to Dan Quinn and Adam Gase about their head coaching vacancy, as we’d previously learned, the Falcons have also asked for interviews with Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles and Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, reports Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter links). Both coaches have Wild Card games coming up, so they aren’t allowed to interview for head coaching jobs this week.
  • Speaking to reporters today, including Jeff Darlington of NFL.com (Twitter link), Washington head coach Jay Gruden said he’ll recommend to owner Daniel Snyder and GM Bruce Allen that the club should retain defensive coordinator Jim Haslett.
  • Washington‘s Ryan Clark has yet to decide whether he’ll continue his playing career, according to Mike Jones of the Washington Post, who tweets that the veteran safety is expected to make his decision within the next couple days. Dianna Marie Russini of NBC4 believes Clark will call it a career, tweeting that the safety will simply sign the necessary papers rather than making a big announcement.
  • According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter), the Bears made an attempt last week to lock up cornerback Sherrick McManis to a two-year contract extension, but the two sides couldn’t reach an agreement.
  • The Buccaneers will be on the lookout for an offensive coordinator in the coming days and weeks, and head coach Lovie Smith says he wants to “talk to as many people as I possibly can,” according to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com (Twitter link).
  • Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder, who is eligible for free agency this winter, said today that he’ll start researching potential landing spots later in the week, tweets Darren Wolfson of ESPN 1500 Twin Cities.

NFC East Notes: Dez, Eagles, Washington

December 29th, 2014 at 9:57am CST by Luke Adams

Suggesting that reports about the Cowboys‘ off-field concerns about Dez Bryant are exaggerated, team owner Jerry Jones tells Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com that “nobody in the world” knows about his concerns for a potential Bryant contract extension besides Jones and executive VP Stephen Jones. As Jones puts it, there are concerns for any pricey, long-term deal, not just Bryant’s.

“I don’t know that I’ve ever signed a contract that I didn’t have things to worry about, but nobody talked about them,” Jones said. “You can’t make business decisions, especially multi-million dollar business decisions without having a nice little worry list over on the right. Everybody does. So it’s wrong to say that that is an issue. That’s not an issue relative to overall getting it done. We just want to get it done.”

Here’s more from around the NFC East:

  • Eagles general manager Howie Roseman received praise from head coach Chip Kelly, who says Roseman does “an outstanding job” managing the cap, as Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com details. More importantly, Roseman got an endorsement from owner Jeffrey Lurie, who said the GM has done a great job, and will be back for 2015, per Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
  • Speaking today to reporters, including Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com (Twitter link), Kelly said it will be a priority for the team to retain running back LeSean McCoy, wideout Jeremy Maclin, and outside linebacker Brandon Graham this offseason. Meanwhile, as McLane tweets (Twitter link), Trent Cole said he’d be willing to rework his contract to return to the Eagles.
  • Washington wide receiver Santana Moss will turn 36 in the summer, and doesn’t have a contract for 2015, but he thinks he can still play in the NFL, and will attempt to continue his career, preferably in Washington, writes Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington.com.
  • Quarterback Robert Griffin III would also like to stick with Washington, despite an up and down 2014 season, says Mike Jones of the Washington Post. Unlike Moss, Griffin is under contract for another year, but he has been cited as a potential trade candidate, given his seemingly shaky relationship with head coach Jay Gruden.
  • Washington running back Roy Helu believes there’s a 50/50 chance he re-signs with the team, telling John Keim of ESPN.com (Twitter link) that he’s excited about the possibility of hitting the open market.
  • Washington will take a few days before making any decisions one way or the other on the members of Gruden’s staff, including defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, Jones writes for the Post.

NFC East Notes: JPP, Beckham Jr., Haslett

December 26th, 2014 at 5:44pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Giants defensive Jason Pierre-Paul is a free agent at season’s end, and it doesn’t sound like he’s too worried about scoring a large deal in free agency. “I think I’m worth a lot of money,” Pierre-Paul told Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News (via Twitter). Additionally, JPP isn’t interested in giving New York a hometown discount, despite the fact that he’s spent the entirety of his five-year career with the club. “It’s going to be a business situation,” he said (link). “It’s going to be about my family.” Here’s more from the NFC East…

  • Giants GM Jerry Reese had his best draft since 2007 this year, writes Vacchiano in a full article. First-round pick Odell Beckham Jr. is the shining star of the class, of course, but guard Weston Richburg, running back Andre Williams, and linebacker Devon Kennard all look like winners at this point. The same can’t be said for Big Blue this year, but brighter days could be ahead.
  • After another disappointing season, John Keim of ESPN takes a look at some of Washington’s veteran free agents and their future with the team. The list is highlighted by two 35-year old players who will likely not return to the team in Santana Moss and Ryan Clark.
  • Washington head coach Jay Gruden would prefer that defensive coordinator Jim Haslett returns in 2015, according to Zac Boyer of the Washington Times. The final call on Haslett, however, will be made by upper management. “I have, obviously, input and all that stuff, but ultimately, it will come down to, hopefully, a group decision — and one that we can all live with,” said Gruden. Washington ranks 30th in weighted defensive DVOA.
  • In other NFC East DC news, Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell could be coaching his last game for New York on Sunday, writes Tom Rock of Newsday.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Extra Points: Haslett, Rams, Lions, Draft

December 25th, 2014 at 6:29pm CST by Ben Levine

Let’s take a look at some notes from around the league on this Christmas evening…

  • Washington defensive coordinator Jim Haslett certainly has an uncertain future, but the coach told ESPN.com’s John Keim that he’s only focused on the holiday season. “Whatever happens, happens,” Haslett said.
  • This upcoming offseason will be key for the Rams, writes Joan Niesen of SI.com. According to the writer, the organization’s claim that they’re one year away from contention is getting “stale,” but the team showed flashes of dominance this season. Solidifying an inconsistent offense would be key for the team’s turnaround, opines Niesen.
  • Lions left guard Rob Sims has been a consistent presence on the Lions’ offensive line, and Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press writes that the upcoming free agent has been “making a late-season contract-year push.” “I think early in the season I was trying to overcome some stuff and dealing with some stuff and I got over it,” Sims said. “I was struggling a little bit, but I would never use that as an excuse. I’ll take my lick. I think I returned to form shortly after that, after the first Minnesota game…I feel like I’ve returned to form, so I think that’s me.”
  • The State’s Josh Kendall tweets that South Carolina running back Mike Davis will be entering the NFL Draft. The junior rushed for 927 yards and nine touchdowns this past season.
  • Yahoo’s Rand Getlin tweets that MSU defensive lineman Shilique Calhoun could be entering the upcoming draft. The player’s mother has been meeting with a variety of agents, and Getlin says the player is considering leaving school. However, Getlin also tweets that some believe Calhoun will ultimately stick around for his senior season.

NFC East Links: Rolle, Smith, Cowboys, Cofield

November 22nd, 2014 at 8:50pm CST by Rob DiRe

Antrel Rolle is playing in a contract year for the Giants, and while he wants to stay with the team, he knows that anything can happen in an NFL offseason, writes Bob Glauber of Newsday.com.

“Staying here would definitely be ideal,” said Rolle. “I feel like there’s a lot of things that I would like to get accomplished with a new set of [teammates]. I feel like there’s a lot more to get done. Unfortunately, if you don’t have the opportunity to stay, you move on.”

The 32-year-old safety has been a stalwart of the Giants’ defense since coming over from Arizona in 2010.

Here are some other links from around the NFC East:

  • Eagles‘ first-round pick Marcus Smith has struggled to see the field as a rookie, but the team worries if he will ever develop into the player they had hoped when they drafted him, writes Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Smith has been compared to Danny Watkins, another failed first-round selection.
  • Cowboys‘ head coach Jason Garrett has been thought of as a puppet for Jerry Jones, but Jean-Jacques Taylor of ESPNDallas.com thinks Garrett has wielded more power within the organization recently. He cites the team drafting Zack Martin, letting DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher leave in free agency, and holding off on extensions for Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray as all uncharacteristic moves for Jones, likely influenced by Garrett.
  • Martin has been excellent as a rookie, validating the Cowboys‘ decision not to draft Johnny Manziel. However, if the Browns decide to sign Hoyer to a long-term contract, Manziel could still be a fit for the Cowboys, writes Steven Mullenax of The LandryHat.com. With the struggles of Brandon Weeden and Tony Romo‘s injury issues, Manziel could be a good backup and eventual replacement in Dallas.
  • Given the choice between Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch, or Murray this offseason, Jon Machota of DallasNews.com believes the Cowboys should place Peterson at the top of their wish list. He believes that signing Peterson behind this offensive line would be more dangerous even than the younger DeMarco Murray.
  • Washington defensive lineman Barry Cofield eased his way back into action last week against the Buccaneers, after returning from injury. Cofield should see his snaps increase starting this week, reports Tom Schad of the Washington Times.
  • Washington defensive coordinator Jim Haslett has been in charge of an erratic defense during his tenure with the team, but despite scheme changes and coaching changes, he has survived, writes Mike Jones of the Washington Post. Jones paints the major problem in the consistency of the defense as a lack of talent on that side of the ball.
  • As the controversy with the Washington team name carries on, one devoted fan has decided to take a stand against the name, writes John Woodrow Cox of the Washington Post. He found a company to make strips of cloth that say “Washington” in which fans can use to patch over their old team apparel. Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News points to the name change for the University of Stanford as a precedent for the change, and the New Yorker has used their cover to mock the name in anticipation of Thanksgiving, according to Sports Illustrated.