The New Orleans Saints started the 2024 NFL season strong with wins in their first two games and impressive offensive performances. This led many to believe they had a good chance of contending in the competitive NFC South. However, their early success was short-lived as the team went on to lose seven consecutive games, including a close 23-22 defeat to the Carolina Panthers in Week 9. Consequently, the Saints made the decision to part ways with head coach Dennis Allen.
Allen, who was already on the hot seat entering the season, finished his tenure in New Orleans with an 18-25 record and failed to guide the team to the playoffs during his two-plus years at the helm following Sean Payton’s departure. The Saints now face the reality of a rebuilding phase, something they have managed to avoid since the end of the Payton era. This may entail some challenging years as they address salary cap issues stemming from recent roster decisions. Therefore, the Saints’ front office will need to carefully assess coaching options with a long-term perspective in mind.
Potential candidates to replace Allen include Mike Vrabel, the former head coach of the Tennessee Titans, who is highly regarded in coaching circles for his ability to maximize his team’s performance, particularly on defense. Another candidate is Mike McCarthy, the current head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, who has a successful track record in the NFL and a history with the Saints as their former offensive coordinator. Additionally, Aaron Glenn, the current defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, is another familiar face who could be considered for the Saints’ head coaching position due to his past connections with the organization.
As the Saints navigate this coaching transition, they will look to find a leader who can help steer the team through their rebuilding phase and establish a new identity as they move forward from the Payton era.
Working closely with Dan Campbell, Aaron Glenn has helped transform the Lions from a struggling team to a strong Super Bowl contender. Despite facing challenges with the team’s defense, Glenn’s leadership has motivated his players to consistently give their best efforts, even with limited talent on that side of the ball. Heading into the 2024 season with improved depth and talent, the 52-year-old coach has Detroit on course to achieve a top-10 scoring defense, despite coping with numerous injuries to key players such as Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and Carlton Davis. This bodes well for the Saints, who can expect a positive impact from Glenn’s coaching.
Joe Brady, currently the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, is another promising coaching candidate with ties to the Saints. Having previously served as an offensive assistant in New Orleans and later achieving success as the offensive coordinator for LSU, Brady’s accomplishments make him an attractive option for the Saints. His role in guiding LSU to a national championship and his work in refining Josh Allen’s performance illustrate his potential for further success in the NFL.
Matt Nagy, the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, is also a candidate of interest for the Saints. Despite a mixed tenure as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, Nagy has regained momentum with the Chiefs, contributing to their strong offensive performances. His experience and recent success in Kansas City position him as a viable candidate for a head coaching role in the NFL.
David Shaw, currently serving as a senior personnel executive with the Denver Broncos, offers a unique coaching background that includes significant experience at both the NFL and college levels. Shaw’s successful tenure as Stanford’s head coach and his prior coaching roles with various NFL teams make him a compelling option for the Saints. His association with Saints’ head coach Sean Payton through their work in Denver further enhances Shaw’s appeal as a potential head coach candidate.
Lastly, Jon Gruden, the former head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, presents an intriguing yet controversial candidate due to his departure from coaching in 2021 following the disclosure of offensive emails. Despite the controversy, Gruden remains a potential candidate to watch, as suggested by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. His coaching experience and past success in the league could make him a surprising contender for coaching positions in the future.
Jon Gruden’s potential return to the NFL coaching ranks has sparked speculation among football enthusiasts. Having amassed a career record of 117-112 as a head coach in the league, Gruden’s success culminated in leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to victory in Super Bowl 37. His ties with the New Orleans Saints have also piqued interest, as he previously collaborated with the team in an advisory role during the 2023 offseason. Reports suggested that the Saints had contemplated hiring Gruden as their offensive coordinator before ultimately appointing Klint Kubiak to the position.
Despite his past accomplishments, there are differing opinions on Gruden’s suitability for a head coaching role in the NFL moving forward. Some voices caution against his return, citing various reasons to question his fit for the modern game. Amid this discourse, discussions about potential coaching candidates for the Saints have also emerged following the departure of Dennis Allen.
One figure who has recently come into the spotlight is Darren Rizzi, the interim coach for the New Orleans Saints. Rizzi assumed the role following Allen’s exit and oversaw a mixed bag of results, guiding the team to a 3-1 record in his initial four games in charge. However, injuries took a toll on the Saints’ offense, leading to a challenging conclusion to the season. Despite this, Rizzi’s tenure at the helm showcased the team’s resilience and competitive spirit, factors that could position him as a strong candidate for the permanent head coaching position.
Rizzi, aged 54, has been an integral part of the Saints’ coaching staff since 2019, primarily serving as the team’s special teams coordinator. His contributions were further recognized in 2022 when he was promoted to the role of assistant head coach, underscoring his growing influence within the organization. The continuity and familiarity that Rizzi offers could align well with the Saints’ organizational ethos, emphasizing the importance of stability and a shared vision in their coaching decisions.
As the Saints deliberate over their coaching options, Rizzi’s performance during his interim stint is likely to factor prominently in their deliberations. The team’s response to adversity under his guidance, along with his established rapport with the players and staff, positions Rizzi as a compelling candidate to lead the Saints into the next chapter of their journey.
The search for Dennis Allen’s successor is a critical juncture for the New Orleans Saints, signaling a new era and a fresh direction for the franchise. Amidst the speculation and rumors surrounding potential candidates, the decision-makers within the organization face a weighty task in identifying the individual best suited to guide the team forward. Whether it be a familiar face like Rizzi or a new arrival like Gruden, the choice of head coach will undoubtedly shape the Saints’ trajectory in the seasons to come.
