saint5221

Apparently Haz was asked this question on the Gerry V. radio show yesterday and he ducked it saying, "I don't want to comment on that right now." here is the article from the Buffalo news that started the question.


http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial...0/11055627.asp


Out clause could put Haslett on Bills' radar
By MARK GAUGHAN

11/30/2003
ÂÂÂÂ*ÂÂÂÂ*
It's way too early to call him a candidate, but an unusual set of circumstances could put New Orleans Saints coach Jim Haslett in position to consider becoming head coach of the Buffalo Bills after this season.

The former Bills linebacking great is in his fourth year as head coach of the Saints and is under contract through the 2006 season. Haslett makes about $3 million a year, and there's virtually no way Saints owner Tom Benson would buy out the final three years of the contract, even if the Saints collapse down the stretch. New Orleans stands 5-6 entering today's game at Washington.

So how might Haslett become available? Sources in New Orleans report that when Haslett signed his contract extension in August 2002, he put an "out" clause in the deal that allows him to leave for just one other head coaching job in the NFL. The job is believed to be head coach of the Bills.

Haslett is very close friends with Bills President and General Manager Tom Donahoe, dating to their time spent together with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Haslett's wife, Beth, is a Western New York native.

Those connections sound compelling, but they don't necessarily point to a shuffle off to Buffalo. While speculation already is well under way on who should replace Gregg Williams in Buffalo, it would be a big surprise in New Orleans if Haslett left the Saints.

Haslett basically has control of personnel decisions in the Saints organization. Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis is a salary cap expert and does not stand in Haslett's way on player moves. Haslett obviously would not have full control of player moves with the Bills. Haslett's family also is happy in the Big Easy. The Saints also have a decent group of young players - Deuce McAllister and Aaron Brooks among them - and could be poised for a strong playoff run next year. Coaches almost never voluntarily leave a spot where they have as much control as "Haz" has in New Orleans.

Nevertheless, the Saints' finish this month bears watching. After today's game with the 'Skins, they play Tampa, the Giants, Jacksonville and Dallas.


[Edited on 12/4/2003 by saint5221]