Tag: Pete Carmichael

Tracking New Orleans Saints coaching staff changes, hirings, and interviews

Tracking New Orleans Saints coaching staff changes, hirings, and interviews: Instant analysis on every move

It took a little while longer than expected, but the New Orleans Saints have finally gotten involved with this year’s hiring cycle and begun making changes to their coaching staff. Dennis Allen’s crew needs all the help they can get after stumbling into a 7-10 finish last season, and the Saints are hard at work meeting with candidates to fill vacancies on his staff.

Check this space often for updates and instant analysis on each reported coaching change, hiring announcement, and scheduled interview. We’ll be keeping up to date on everything coming out of New Orleans as Allen looks to retool his coaching staff for 2023:

Dennis Allen’s second year as Saints head coach inspiring less confidence than the first

Dennis Allen burned through his goodwill in his first year as Saints head coach. In his second year at the helm, he’s steering the ship into the rocks:

What did Dennis Allen learn from reviewing the New Orleans Saints’ 2022 season that made him draw the conclusion that blowing up his defensive coaching staff is what will fix this team? Allen burned through his goodwill in his first year at the helm as the Saints’ head coach. In his second offseason, he’s steering the ship right towards the rocks.

NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill reports that Richard was let go due to “some philosophical differences” with other members of the coaching staff, though that’s kind of vague and nebulous. Does it mean Richard has a preference for running more zone or man coverage than Allen is comfortable with? Does he want to run more two-deep safety looks than Allen will sign off on? Does it come down to philosophical team-building decisions in how they scout draft prospects? That’s unclear.

What’s evident is that Allen has his priorities out of order. The Saints offense was miserable last year. Pete Carmichael barely managed to score 19.4 points per game (22nd in the league) as offensive coordinator and play caller. On Wednesday, New Orleans’ passing game coordinator Ronald Curry told ESPN’s Katherine Terrell that the plan is for Carmichael to remain in that role with the play sheet in hand and the mic wired into his quarterback’s helmet. Instead of fixing what’s broken, Allen is putting his time and energy into starting new fires he’ll have to put out.

It’s a bad process, and believing it won’t lead to more bad results is a hard sell. That’s all the more frustrating because the Saints are in such a strong position to compete for their weak division’s title and get to the playoffs. If Allen had as much passion and interest in fielding even a league-average offense, they could get there. Instead he’s showing the door to anyone with a challenge to his authority. You want to know an easier way to keep your overqualified assistants from getting attention than dismissing them? Doing your job better and winning football games so you don’t have people asking if you were the right guy to hire as head coach.

This isn’t all to say that the Saints are doomed. They’re probably doomed with Allen mismanaging personnel this badly, but that isn’t a sure thing. He’s hired good assistants before and he could absolutely find some capable position coaches and a new defensive coordinator this week. But that’s time that could have been spent more wisely addressing the existing problems rather than creating new ones.

That’s where we are. Allen doesn’t enjoy the benefit of the doubt anymore. He must show results and get this team on track and at least post a winning record in 2023. If the Saints continue to trip over themselves and fall short of that again, he shouldn’t be back here next year.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyahgz6p2j3xp7 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

[listicle id=121538]

The 10 most important Saints players, coaches, and front office execs of 2023

If the Saints want to improve in 2023, these names need to have major impacts. The 10 most important Saints of 2023, via @RossJacksonNOLA:

Every offseason comes with changes and commitments across the NFL. The New Orleans Saints have committed to their coaching staff for the time being and while that likely means changes are on the way at key positions across the roster, the Saints will see some familiar faces return in 2023. Those returning players, coaches and front office staff members will be pivotal to the team’s success in 2023.

The Saints are hoping to improve on their recent and disappointing 7-10 finish. But finishing with a better record won’t be enough. This organization wants to be back in the playoffs and winning postseason matchups. In order to get that done, big names are going to have to make big impacts. Here are the 10 most important Saints of 2023:

Saints need home-run offseason after retaining coaching staff in 2023

The #Saints decided not to make major changes on the coaching staff and now need a home-run offseason to keep things afloat, via @RossJacksonNOLA:

It was a bit of a surprise to learn that the New Orleans Saints will not be making major changes to their offensive coaching staff this offseason. Because of that decision, it’s fair to expect more of the same from 2022’s disappointing offensive attack. One that finished at the team’s worst scoring pace since 2005. In order for New Orleans to revitalize their offense, they will need one of two (ideally both) things. A new offensive approach with a clean and clear identity and a home run offseason. The former is going to be hard to feel confident about with no staff changes, so the latter has to be their key focus this summer.

If the Saints are gong to run it back with a similar but adjusted offensive approach than what they fielded in 2022, they have some major concerns to fill through free agency and the draft. Of course right at the top of the list will be quarterback. It is hard to see Jameis Winston returning to New Orleans next year, but outside of him there are no quarterbacks on the roster. The Saints could go out and pursue a big fish free agent, but there are not many to choose from.

The real and only playmaker that could hit the market would be Baltimore Ravens passer Lamar Jackson. But it is looking more and more like he will be back in Baltimore this offseason. Not that the Saints have the funds to swing that deal anyway with other holes to fill around the roster. So where can New Orleans turn? One could argue that tight end Taysom Hill could re-enter the quarterback conversation, but it seems likely rolling the dice in the draft would be the team’s only hope of considerably improving the position for next year.

But will they have the draft capital to get that done? A Sean Payton trade would help, as the team waits to find out if their former head coach wants to take any of the three open positions that have set up interviews with him. But even that is not a guaranteed set of resources. Plus, the Saints would have to unload a lot of draft picks in order to move up for a top passer in this year’s draft. Otherwise, they could roll the dice on others like Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker. But will he be ready to go in 2023? If the medicals check out, Hooker would be an excellent investment.

But then the Saints still have other fish to fry on offense. Head coach Dennis Allen expressed their desire for a contested catch receiver. With a split likely on the way between the team and wide receiver Michael Thomas, they would do best to find another big-bodied option to add to speedy wideouts Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Retaining tight end Juwan Johnson is even more of an absolute must, which will also require resources from the team this offseason.

And not to be forgotten, a huge need a running back is going under the radar early in the offseason. Not just another back to add to Alvin Kamara and Eno Benjamin (who could see a big role in 2023 if he remains with the team), but someone in place of Kamara for what is expected to be a six-game suspension served at some point during the season. Not only will the team need to build around one of its star players, they will also have to be ready for potential time without him.

And finally, the offensive line will need depth options. Injuries are bound to happen, especially in the trenches. The Saints won a game utilizing their rushing attack while down three offensive linemen in 2022. They should be okay here as long as they continue to add talented depth. Which has always been an emphasis for the offseason.

For the first time in a while, the team will need to rebuild or at least add talent to each and every one of its offensive position groups. There are no shortage of questions to answer this offseason on that side of the ball. And with the team standing pat on the coaching staff, they will not be able to afford to cut corners. They will need a playmaker at the most important position of the game and help at every level of the offensive unit in order to prove themselves right next season.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyahgz6p2j3xp7 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

[listicle id=120819]

Saints stand pat while rest of NFC South elect for coaching staff changes

The #Saints will likely be the only team in the NFC South without changes at HC, OC, and/or DC. Their results will be highly anticipated, via @RossJacksonNOLA:

In what was the worst division in football this year, every NFC South team is making major changes at either head coach, offensive coordinator and/or defensive coordinator save one: the New Orleans Saints. The team will again rely on consistency over change going into 2023 after choosing not to move on from offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. Meanwhile, every other team around the division will be making changes in the hopes of improving their 2022 results.

The Carolina Panthers moved on from head coach Matt Rhule during the season and fired defensive coordinator Phil Snow as well. The Atlanta Falcons did not fire or part ways with any staffers, but defensive coordinator Dean Pees retired. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers moved on from a slew of coaches including offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich. The Saints though, unless either or both co-defensive coordinators Kris Richard and Ryan Nielsen are hired away, will make no changes to their top coaching staff members with assistant head coach and special team coordinator Darren Rizzi never really being warrant of departure as well.

That seems to signal that the Saints are hoping that sticking to their usual cadence of cohesion and continuity will set them apart in 2023. Particularly on the offensive side of the ball, it seems warranted to question that approach. However, the line of thinking remains in lockstep with their usual approach. That means at the end of 2023, the Saints will either win as the most consistent unit, or lose thanks to a commitment to not undergo change. The results will be clear and obvious this time next year.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyahgz6p2j3xp7 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

[listicle id=120819]

What continuity are the Saints committing to in keeping Pete Carmichael?

The Saints have lost 16 of their last 27 games. By committing to continuity in keeping Pete Carmichael, what exactly do they hope continues?

The New Orleans Saints ruined their fans’ collective lunch break on Thursday when news was reported that offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael is expected to return for the 2023 season after fielding the team’s worst scoring unit in decades, signaling a commitment to continuity, stability, and maintenance of the status quo.

But what exactly do the Saints hope to continue in doing this? Carmichael’s offense was their biggest weakness last season. Do they want to continue to fail to score points, get a return on their investment in Alvin Kamara, and get run off the field by better-coached opponents? The Saints have lost 16 of their last 27 games (dating back to Jameis Winston’s 2021 knee injury, when that season went off the rails). That’s a winning percentage of .407. That’s what they hope continues?

They finished third in the worst division in pro football because Carmichael couldn’t score two touchdowns a game during the last six weeks. The Saints couldn’t buy a fourth down conversion or seem to get Taysom Hill on the field for more than six or seven touches. It took months for Carmichael to figure out how Rashid Shaheed could be an asset. Whatever Carmichael was doing to help the team under Sean Payton’s management for 15 years wasn’t a factor once he had the offense to himself.

Maybe the Saints are planning to tank the 2023 season in hopes of landing a high draft pick, which they could use to lure a new head coach (and a whole new staff with them) in 2024. Bringing Carmichael back in the same role he just showed he wasn’t up for might help accomplish that. There just isn’t much reason for optimism here given how poorly things have gone so far.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyahgz6p2j3xp7 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

[listicle id=120819]

Report: Saints not expected to move on from OC Pete Carmichael

Report: Saints not expected to move on from offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael despite having scored their fewest points since 2005

Yikes. NewOrleans.Football’s Mike Triplett reports that the New Orleans Saints are not planning a change at offensive coordinator, with Pete Carmichael expected to remain in place after a disappointing-at-best 2022 campaign. Carmichael’s offense was the team’s weakness this season and scored the fewest points for the Saints since 2005 despite having the benefit of an extra game.

It’s hard to read into this as anything but a mistake. The Saints didn’t have a great quarterback situation in 2022, but it was compounded by the least-aggressive play caller in the league. Carmichael failed to put star talents like Alvin Kamara in position to win and keyed opposing defenses into several trends as the season continued, which played a part in the Saints averaged just 13.5 points per game over the last six weeks.

Triplett adds that no other changes are on the way for the assistants and position coaches after the Saints fired tight ends coach and run-game coordinator Dan Roushar on Thursday, so it looks like they’re content to run it back with the least ambitious coaching staff in the league. If Saints fans need a reason to get excited for the 2023 season, they’ll have to look elsewhere.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyahgz6p2j3xp7 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

[listicle id=120819]

Saints begin coaching staff changes, dismiss longtime assistant Dan Roushar

The Saints have begun making changes to their coaching staff, dismissing longtime tight ends coach and run-game coordinator Dan Roushar:

The New Orleans Saints have begun making changes to their coaching staff, with Nola.com’s Jeff Duncan first reporting that the team has dismissed longtime assistant coach Dan Roushar. Roushar joined the Saints back in 2013 as their running backs coach, and he’s held a variety of titles over the last decade as their offensive line coach, tight ends coach, and run-game coordinator.

But change is necessary after the team’s unspectacular 2022 season, in which they lost double-digit games for the first time since 2005. The Saints had their lowest ranking in points scored (22nd) since 2005, too, and more changes to the offense should be expected. They can’t continue trying to be a Sean Payton cover band. This is, hopefully, the first step towards introducing some fresh perspectives and new influences to their offensive philosophy.

New Orleans’ rushing attack was pedestrian by league standards this past season, ranking 19th in yards (1,982) and 22nd in touchdown runs (12) but 14th in attempts (465, or 27.4 per game). That’s simply not good enough with talented runners like Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill in the building, and an offensive line full of top-50 draft picks. Roushar’s results with the tight ends room was mixed; Juwan Johnson has improved steadily year over year under his tutelage, but Adam Trautman has not developed into more than a replacement-level starter in the Saints offense.

Stay tuned for more staff movement. The Saints will need to hire Roushar’s replacement as tight ends coach, and maybe a new run-game coordinator. Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael is the longest-tenured coach on the team, having joined Payton’s first staff back in 2006 and holding that title since 2009. We’ll find out soon whether Carmichael has been retained. We already know that head coach Dennis Allen will return for 2023 despite his career .283 record in the NFL.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyahgz6p2j3xp7 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

[listicle id=120819]

Chargers fire OC Joe Lombardi, which carries several implications for the Saints

The L.A. Chargers fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, which carries several implications for the New Orleans Saints and Sean Payton.

The Los Angeles Chargers dismissed offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi as well as quarterbacks coach Shane Day on Tuesday, following their playoff loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars over the weekend. This move carries several big implications for the New Orleans Saints and their former head coach Sean Payton, who has coveted the Chargers gig during his return to the NFL.

First of all, this likely means that the Chargers will not be moving off of head coach Brandon Staley — who went one-and-done during his lone playoff appearance in two seasons on the job, along with a 19-15 record. If Staley is entrenched in Los Angeles for another year, the Chargers go off of the list of potential suitors for Payton. As his preferred destination, it’s been previously reported that Payton may opt to stay in the media through 2024 in hopes of landing that job in the future rather than settle for a lesser opportunity.

That wouldn’t be good for the Saints. They need a first round draft pick in 2023 after trading theirs to the Philadelphia Eagles, and their best shot at acquiring one is trading Payton’s coaching rights to another team. If Payton remains with FOX Sports this year, they won’t get any compensation until the following offseason. Time is of the essence for them.

Additionally, this opens the door for Lombardi to return to New Orleans or follow Payton to his next team. Lombardi previously worked as the Saints quarterback coach under Payton in-between stops with the Chargers and Detroit Lions as an offensive coordinator and play caller. He’s someone the organization is familiar with, and who Payton has valued before as a top assistant.

You have to think Lombardi would be in consideration should the Saints move on from offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, though ideally they’ll aim higher; Lombardi’s Lions and Chargers teams didn’t make much noise offensively, and it’s telling that two different organizations have made him a scapegoat for their woes. Lombardi has a good track record as a position coach and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him end up in New Orleans or with Payton in Denver, Houston, Arizona, or Carolina in a few weeks. This is something to watch out for.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyahgz6p2j3xp7 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

[listicle id=120906]

Mike LaFleur parts ways with Jets, should draw interest from the Saints

Bad teams let go of good coaches all the time. Much like Kyle Shanahan once left the Browns, Mike LaFleur has left the Jets — and the Saints should give him a call, via @RossJacksonNOLA:

One team’s fired coach could be another team’s treasure. While the New Orleans Saints don’t currently have a coaching staff position available, there is a chance they open up a search at offensive coordinator this offseason. If they do, one of their top candidates may have just hit the market in former New York Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. 

The New York offense ranked No. 29 in scoring, No. 25 in total yardage, No. 30 in EPA/play and No. 26 in offensive DVOA. So what make LaFleur a candidate for consideration? Truth is, here’s a lot of context to be considered around what went wrong in the Big Apple.

The Jets’ quarterback situation was dismal through the year bouncing from Zach Wilson to Mike White to Joe Flacco and back again. None of those signal callers have inspired much confidence aside from Flacco much earlier in his career. Additionally, a running back that can do it all is pivotal to LaFleur’s scheme. Once rookie back Breece Hall was ruled out for the season with injury, everything changed for LaFleur’s offense. 

There’s precedent for this success, by the way. Kyle Shanahan is now the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers but before that, he made a leap from the Cleveland Browns’ offensive coordinator position to the same role with the Atlanta Falcons. His numbers went from the No. 27 scoring offense and ranking No. 23 in total yards to the No. 1 scoring offense while filing in at No. 2 in total yards gained in a matter of two years. Once he found the personnel he needed to fully execute his system, things leveled off. The same could happen for LaFleur while the Saints roster is under reconstruction at major positions like quarterback.

Bother of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, Mike comes from the Shanahan coaching tree. We gave our thoughts on 49ers passing game coordinator Bobby Slowik as another possible target a few days ago. We did so with the example of LaFleur’s success (before things fell apart) with the Jets as positive evidence. His scheme is one that fans would love to see in New Orleans and does a lot of what they asked to see from the Saints this year. 

LaFleur blends precise short and intermediate attacks (taking what the defense gives them) with a heavy infusion of misdirection. That includes pre-snap motion, play flow misdirection and more. Just go watch one of the Jets’ early-season games and you see it. The way he then continued to maximize the skills of rookie wide receiver Garrett Wilson despite the quarterback carousel deserves praise as well. Now imagine what he could do with Wilson’s former teammate in New Orleans, Chris Olave along with rising star Rashid Shaheed.

Early in the season, the Saints and Jets were on opposite sides of the spectrum when it came to pre-snap motion. With the New Orleans ranking near the bottom of the NFL (31) and the Jets in the top ten (9) in pre-snap motion rate. Additionally, the Saints were caught being a bit predictable with their motion at the snap as well. Moving players post-snap on 31% of their run plays and on only %1 of their passing plays per ESPN’s Seth Walder. Not ideal. Motion should not be ignore in today’s NFL and it is clearly a part of LaFleur’s DNA which could benefit the Saints if they open up an offensive coordinator search.

New Orlean is also uniquely positions to answer the running back issue LaFleur was presented with thanks to one of the league’s best in Alvin Kamara. The former offensive rookie of the year could go from massively underutilized in 2022, to having an offense built around his skills set in 2023. Don’t let the Jets’ end-season offensive rankings fool you. LaFleur is a solid play designer, play caller and schemer. He’ll need to learn how to adjust with his personnel when injuries do inevitably happen and the Saints would need to invest in their running back room around Kamara. But that’s something both should be looking to do this offseason anyway.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyahgz6p2j3xp7 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

[listicle id=120580]