Saints Tab Mueller To Run Show

January 27, 2000 / 6:38 PM EST / CBS/AP

After putting together a roster that turned the Seattle Seahawks from a last place team into playoff contenders, Randy Mueller took a job Thursday that put him back at square one: general manager of the New Orleans Saints.

"There's a lot of room to go up and the ownership is committed to doing what it takes to win," Mueller said.

Mueller not only takes over player personnel matters for a 3-13 team, but also joins a franchise that has had only five winning seasons and never has won a playoff game since entering the NFL in 1967.

Saints owner Tom Benson glowed as he introduced Mueller and his new director of business administration, former Southern League baseball president Arnold Fielkow. Both received three-year contracts, and Benson made it clear he expects quick results.

"We don't have a three-year plan, we have a one-month plan," Benson said.

Mueller said he couldn't promise a quick turnaround. "But I don't want to limit our expectations," he said.

"I wouldn't have taken this job if I thought it was a five-year reconstruction project," Mueller added.

The Saints still do not have a coach to replace Mike Ditka, who was fired along with general manager Bill Kuharich on Jan. 5.

The candidates include Pittsburgh Steelers assistant Jim Haslett, who Mueller wanted as head coach in Seattle before Mike Holmgren became available following the Green Bay Packers' elimination from the 1998 playoffs.

Haslett, a former Saints assistant, was to be interviewed Thursday by assistant general manager Charles Bailey, but he canceled.

Reached at his home in Pittsburgh, Haslett did not give an explanation why he canceled, but added that he hoped to interview later.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Dom Capers and Atlanta Falcons offensive line coach Art Shell interviewed Thursday with Bailey.

Bailey also has interviewed Denver offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Dave McGinnis and New York Giants defensive coordinator John Fox.

Mueller also said he planned to evaluate every player and every contract, but indicated he'd like to keep certain players, including all-pro offensive lineman Willie Roaf and running back Ricky Williams.

Mueller said he needed to watch tape of quarterbacks Billy Joe Tolliver and Billy Joe Hobert, but had encouraging words for Louisiana-native and former NFL Europe quarterback Jake Delhomme, who made a triumphant NFL debut against Dallas in December.

"The kid who played at the end of the year did a good job and seemed to generate some excitement," Mueller said.