The Redskins parted ways with long time defensive coordinator Jim Haslett today, saying that the move was by “mutual decision.” Haslett’s contract was also expiring in a month, so the Redskins had to make a decision quickly.
The timing of the move was curious, Jay Gruden, who was advocating to retain Haslett and his staff, said on Monday that any staff decisions would wait until this coming Sunday when he, GM Bruce Allen, and Dan Snyder would meet to discuss the 2014 season and what to do for 2015. The news was announced 30 minutes before Bruce Allen’s disaster of a press conference to review the 2014 season and Redskins beat writers felt like this was announced to try and deflect any tough questions about the season.
The leading candidate to replace Haslett is former Houston defensive coordinator and Cowboys’ head coach Wade Phillips. His son is the current Redskins Tight Ends Coach and Wade attended most of their games this season. Vavel can report that the Redskins and Phillips have been in touch of late, but Phillips is concerned about Jay Gruden’s lack of job security. If not Wade Phillips, it seems most likely that the Redskins would replace Haslett with as big a name of a defensive coach who runs the 3 front defense that they can find.