Haslett won't return as Redskins' defensive coordinator

Dec 31, 2014 - 4:51 PM Ashburn, VA (SportsNetwork.com) - Jim Haslett won't return as the defensive coordinator of the Washington Redskins.

The team and Haslett mutually agreed to part ways after five seasons.

Haslett spent his first four years with the Redskins under Mike Shanahan and this past season under first-year head coach Jay Gruden.

"Jay and I mutually agreed it's time for the Redskins to have a new defensive coordinator," said Haslett in a statement Wednesday. "I want to thank (owner) Dan Snyder, (general manager) Bruce Allen, coach Gruden and all the players and fellow coaches for their efforts the last five years and I wish them nothing but the best."

The Redskins were 4-12 this past season and ranked 20th in the NFL in yards allowed. Washington also yielded 438 points, fewer than only Chicago (442) and Oakland (452).

"Jim and I have had discussions over the last few days and have decided that it's best for everyone that we have a new defensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins," said Gruden. "I wish him nothing but the best in the future."

Haslett joined the Redskins in January 2010 after a year as the head coach of the fledgling UFL's Florida Tuskers. He was also the head coach of the New Orleans Saints from 2000-05, compiling a record of 45-51, and had stints as defensive coordinator with the Saints (1996), Pittsburgh Steelers (1997-99) and St. Louis Rams (2006-08). In 2008, he was also the interim head coach of the Rams for the final 12 games, posting a record of 2-10.

The 59-year-old Pittsburgh native was a linebacker for the Bills and Jets from 1979-87.