saint5221

http://www.rochesterdandc.com/sports..._columns.shtml

We can only hope.

Haslett might fit Buffalo's bill



By Bob Matthews
Democrat and Chronicle
The Associated Press

New Orleans coach Jim Haslett may become a candidate as the next coach of the Buffalo Bills. Haslett’s popularity in New Orleans is waning, and he could be on his way out after this season.

(November 29, 2003) — Jim Haslett might be available after all if the Buffalo Bills are looking for a new head coach after this season.

The former Bills linebacker has done a good job in his four seasons as coach of the New Orleans Saints (32-29 plus the franchise’s first-ever playoff victory) but could be wearing out his welcome and eager for a change.

Haslett was the Coach of the Year in 2000, but his critics point out the team’s late-season folding acts in 2001 (0-4 after a 7-5 start) and 2002 (0-3 after a 9-4 start). He also made an untimely decision early in last week’s 33-20 loss at Philadelphia and was subjected to a level of media and fan criticism that generally is reserved for coaches on their way out.

Deuce McAllister appeared to score a first-down TD for the Saints, but the head linesman who signaled a TD was overruled by another zebra. Haslett already had lost one challenge and didn’t want to risk wasting a second midway through the first quarter. He figured his team would score within three tries only inches from the goal line. But quarterback Aaron Brooks muffed the ensuing handoff. The Eagles recovered and scored on the subsequent drive for a 10-0 lead en route to a 33-20 victory.
Unfortunately for Haslett, replays showed that McAllister had scored, and the Saints would’ve had a 7-3 lead if he had tossed the red challenge flag.
Coaches on firm footing would be excused for such a decision, but Haslett’s growing number of fan and media critics cut him no slack.

Haslett probably would welcome a change of scenery, and Buffalo might be the perfect fit.

The best thing about Bills star cornerback Antoine Winfield’s public criticism of the team’s sputtering offense is that he was echoing the observations and frustrations of many of the fans and media. The Bills should have been running more and passing less this season, and everyone except head coach Gregg Williams and offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride seems to know it.