Danno

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/7877984/2

The Saints are 32nd in the league in total defense. One reason is the poor play of second-year player Jonathan Sullivan. The Saints traded two first-round picks last year to move up to take Sullivan with the sixth overall pick with the idea he would be their anchor inside against the run and also get pressure in the middle. Instead, he has been a bust. Sullivan reported to camp overweight, then took the weight off but still isn't producing. He might be inactive this week against Kansas City.
During practice this week -- a spirited one for most players despite the record -- Sullivan was called in as a substitute. Instead of jogging onto the field, he slowly walked on. That infuriated coach Jim Haslett, who sent him back off the field. The coaching staff feels Sullivan is one of the laziest players they've had.
Haslett met with his team Monday to let them know that at 3-5, the season was not over. In that meeting, he split the team in half, walked down the middle, and then told the players that if Haslett is fired, they can expect half of the current team to go with him. He also told them the high-salaried players would go, too, and then the following year half of the half that stays would be gone. Translation: He's not the only one who will be out of a job if the Saints don't turn it around.

Haslett did meet with owner Tom Benson this week, but there was no talk of an imminent firing. The one problem in New Orleans is that there is a growing split between Haslett and general manager Mickey Loomis, with front-office personnel lining up to take sides. It appears the smart side right now might be with Loomis since it appears he has Benson's backside and his lips connected tightly. The reality is the Saints have not been the same since Randy Mueller was fired two years ago, replaced by Loomis, a man most consider more of a cap specialist than a football guy. Haslett has two years left on his contract for slightly more than $6 million, so if he is let go, he will be compensated nicely. Word is he still wants to coach, and maybe a team like the Browns would give him a look. A defensive coordinator position might also be something that could lure him back if he is let go.

mutineer10

Excellent article, Danno.

I dunno if I agree with half the team leaving or losing their jobs if Haslett goes, but I definately agree that Randy Mueller was a huge loss. One wonders how wise it is of Haz to be discussing his imminent firing during a team meeting, but you gotta give him credit for facing the music. Maybe he thinks to rally the team by pointing out the axe-sharpening, thinking that by doing so he\'ll fire them up enough to save his job. Who knows, maybe he\'s right. The article almost (almost) makes me feel a little sorry for ol\' Haz.

As for Sully, I think he\'s better suited for NFL Network\'s \"Big Man Dance Challenge\" than our football team. That\'s assuming he\'s not too lazy to dance, either.

That Grant Wistrom bit is hilarious...

johnnythesaint

That is an interesting tactic that he used. What it makes me think more than anything is that the players have put him on an island. Otherwise why would you need to employ the old sinking ship psychology? It really is a godawful mess this year. It is kind of like watching a train-wreck in slow-motion no?

qball316

I dont think HALF the team will be gone (too much talent). But i think that if the team doesn\'t change their attitude for a new coach it will only be a matter of time. I do like the idea that he is make these \"threats\" but if the team doesn\'t buy into you plan and they dont get motivated under you, what makes you think you can scare them.

Euphoria

actually I do think nearly half the team will be gone... When you\'re down this much any change will be viewed as a couldn\'t be worse move for one, and also I think we are in need of size on our line offense and defense