SAN ANTONIO (Jan. 2, 2006) -- The Saints fired coach Jim Haslett, the day after ending a 3-13 season overshadowed by the hurricane that devastated New Orleans and forced the team to abandon the city.
Saints spokesman Greg Bensel said Jim Haslett was relieved of his duties Jan. 2 morning, and that general manager Mickey Loomis would discuss the situation at a news conference.
Haslett, 50, wasn't expected to attend the news conference.
Haslett, the 2000 NFL Coach of the Year after leading the Saints to the only playoff victory in team history, had one year left on his contract. He was 45-51 in six seasons with New Orleans and had the second-most victories in team history behind Jim Mora's 93.
New Orleans hasn't had a winning season since 2002, and this year was marred before it even began. The Saints were forced from their city when Hurricane Katrina blasted the Gulf Coast in August, moving their training camp to San Antonio, then playing four home games in Baton Rouge, La., three in San Antonio and one in New Jersey.
New Orleans opened the season with an emotional win at Carolina, but finished by losing 11 of 12, including the season-ending 27-13 defeat at Tampa Bay.
