Saints optimistic about the future

By By Richard Dark / EMG staff writer
Dec. 30, 2003
METAIRIE, La. Monday was a long day for New Orleans Saints coach Jim Haslett. Beginning at 7:30 in the morning, he met with each and every player for an exit interview of sorts to discuss their future with the team, and to hear what the players' views are, a ritual he does at the end of every season.
For the first time during his tenure, however, he did so coming off a win, after Sunday's 13-7 win over the Dallas Cowboys.
Fans have been calling for wholesale changes to the coaching staff now that the break-even season is done.
But don't bet on it, from either a roster or staff standpoint.
Haslett said that disappointing is still the best way to describe the season. He also said if there are any staff changes to be made under him, that he will be the one to make them. Those will likely come beginning today.
Another telling signal about the immediate future of this franchise came just before Haslett departed to the press room for his weekly meeting with the media.
The players agree with the braintrust. "Anytime you can end the season on a winning note, you got something to build on," said running back Deuce McAllister. "Whatever happens, happens."
Saints opponents scored 326 for an average of 20.4 per game, but from a points allowed standpoint, the defense improved greatly as the season went on.
On offense the team scored 432 points a season ago, this year, 340.
That came as a result of touchdowns being down from 49 to 36.