Haslett’s first Rams defense showed improvement over 2005 in 11 different categories in 2006. The Rams improved from 30th to 23rd in total defense and were a total of 113 yards, seven yards a game, from being 15th. The Rams were seventh in the NFL with 32 takeaways—17 pass interceptions and 15 fumble recoveries.

The defense punctuated their season by allowing an average of 296 yards in total offense in the last three games of the season as the Rams rallied with three consecutive victories to finish 8-8.

Haslett joined the Rams after six seasons as head coach of the New Orleans Saints. His 45-win total was second in team history. Haslett also led the Saints to the only postseason victory in franchise history.

Haslett guided the Saints to the NFC West championship and their first playoff victory, 31-27 over the Rams, after the 2000 season, resulting in his winning NFL Coach-of-the- Year honors. Haslett’s 2002 squad posted a 9-7 record that included a season sweep of the eventual Super Bowl XXXVII Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Prior to New Orleans, Haslett coordinated defense for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1997-99. The Steelers went to the 1997 AFC Championship Game and their run defense was first in the league. Haslett came to the Steelers from the Saints, for whom he was linebackers coach in 1995 and defensive coordinator in 1996. As defensive coordinator, Haslett’s unit improved from 22nd to 13th in the NFL in total defense and from 22nd to third in pass defense.

Haslett made his NFL coaching debut, tutoring linebackers for the Los Angeles Raiders in 1993. The Raiders’ defense ranked in the top 10 in 1993-94. Jim was defensive coordinator for the World League of American Football’s (now NFL Europa) Sacramento Surge from 1991-92. The Surge won the WLAF Championship in 1992.Haslett began his coaching career in 1988 at the University of Buffalo. He was defensive coordinator in 1989-90.

After being drafted in the second round (51st overall) by the Buffalo Bills in 1979, Haslett was voted the Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He played eight seasons for the Bills, earning all-pro honors in 1981, and finished his playing career in 1987 with the New York Jets.

Haslett played defensive end at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he was a four-time all-America selection after enrolling in the school and joining the football team as a walk-on. Haslett set school records with 20 sacks and five fumble recoveries in one season. As a senior, Haslett took over as punter and averaged 41.5 yards. His career was recognized with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001.

Haslett is a native of Pittsburgh, Pa., and is married to Beth with two daughters, Kelsey and Elizabeth, and a son, Chase. They live in Clayton, Mo.