As the New Orleans Saints approach the 2025 offseason, many fans and pundits are speculating about the future of the team’s leadership. With the franchise looking to bounce back from an underwhelming 2024 campaign and return to playoff contention, one of the key decisions facing ownership and general management is whether to stick with head coach Dennis Allen or make a change. If the Saints decide to go in a new direction, they could very well look within their own ranks for a replacement. In that case, former quarterback Drew Brees, who remains one of the most beloved figures in franchise history, could play a significant role in the hiring process.
Brees, who has been vocal about his ongoing relationship with the organization and his potential to help shape the team’s future, might have a unique perspective on who could lead the Saints moving forward. If the team were to tap into its internal pool of candidates, there are several options that could make sense. Brees, given his legendary status, his knowledge of the game, and his connection to the team, could very well have his pick of the candidates.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential candidates within the Saints organization, why Drew Brees might be the ideal person to weigh in on the hiring process, and how choosing from within could impact the team’s future.
### The Saints’ Current Leadership Structure
Before diving into who Drew Brees might endorse as head coach, it’s important to understand the current structure of the Saints’ coaching staff. Head coach Dennis Allen, who took over after Sean Payton’s departure in 2022, has had a mixed tenure. While Allen’s defensive acumen has kept the team competitive, his tenure has been marred by inconsistent quarterback play, an underwhelming offense, and a general inability to keep the Saints in contention for the NFC South crown.
As of 2024, the Saints are in a transitional phase. The team is still trying to find stability at the quarterback position following the departure of Brees after the 2020 season. With Derek Carr brought in to stabilize the offense, the team’s offensive struggles have persisted, making it difficult for Allen’s tenure to gain traction. Allen, who was promoted from defensive coordinator, has not shown the ability to get the best out of his offensive units, which has led to growing speculation that a coaching change could be on the horizon.
But firing a coach is not always a clean solution. Instead of turning to an outside candidate with no familiarity with the team’s culture, there’s the option of promoting from within. There are a number of capable coaches currently on the Saints’ staff who could step up and offer a different direction for the team.
### The Case for Drew Brees as an Influential Voice in the Hiring Process
Drew Brees is more than just the greatest quarterback in New Orleans Saints history; he’s the face of the franchise. His contributions to the team—culminating in a Super Bowl championship, multiple division titles, and numerous individual records—have cemented him as a living legend in New Orleans. While Brees has officially retired from playing, his connection to the Saints is far from severed. He’s remained involved in the organization in a variety of ways, from providing mentorship to young quarterbacks like Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill, to offering his expertise on the team’s broadcasting team.
Brees’ football IQ is off the charts, and his understanding of what makes a successful head coach is invaluable. He knows what it takes to succeed in the NFL—both on and off the field. He also has a deep understanding of the culture and the locker room dynamics that have made the Saints successful over the years. If the Saints choose to promote from within, Brees could provide unique insight into who would be the best candidate to lead the team forward.
Brees has always been a leader, and his influence in the Saints’ front office could be significant in the decision-making process. Given his close ties to the organization and his understanding of the inner workings of the team, Brees could act as an advisory figure to team ownership and the front office when it comes to making key decisions about the coaching staff.
### Potential Candidates for Head Coach from Within
If the Saints opt to hire from within, there are a few key figures currently on the staff who could be in the running. Let’s take a look at some of the most likely candidates and how Drew Brees might view them.
#### 1. **Pete Carmichael – Offensive Coordinator**
Pete Carmichael has been the Saints’ offensive coordinator for years and has worked under both Sean Payton and Dennis Allen. Carmichael is familiar with the inner workings of the Saints’ offensive system and has a solid track record of success, even if it hasn’t always translated into the best results in recent seasons. Under Carmichael, the Saints have had some successful campaigns, especially during Brees’ prime years.
Brees has a strong relationship with Carmichael, as the two worked together extensively throughout his career in New Orleans. As an offensive-minded coach, Carmichael knows how to build around a quarterback’s strengths, and he would likely have Brees’ endorsement. While Carmichael’s tenure as offensive coordinator has been marked by inconsistency, there’s a possibility that a change of leadership could ignite new energy and ideas in the Saints’ offense.
Carmichael’s deep knowledge of the Saints’ system and his understanding of what it takes to win with a high-powered offense could make him an attractive internal option. If Brees were to offer his endorsement, Carmichael would likely be the front-runner.
#### 2. **Ryan Nielsen – Defensive Coordinator**
Ryan Nielsen is another candidate who could be considered for the head coaching job, particularly if the Saints want to maintain their strong defensive identity. Nielsen has been with the team since 2017 and took over as defensive coordinator in 2023. Under his leadership, the Saints’ defense has remained one of the best in the league, consistently ranking among the top units in terms of total defense, pass rush, and turnovers.
Brees has long admired the Saints’ defense, especially in recent years, and Nielsen’s work has been widely praised. If the Saints decide to hire from within, Nielsen could be an attractive option as a head coach due to his ability to lead a talented defensive squad while building a complementary offense. If Brees values defensive stability and a strong locker room presence, Nielsen could be someone he’d support for the job.
#### 3. **Dennis Allen – Continuing the Status Quo**
While it might seem counterintuitive to promote from within if the team is dissatisfied with the current head coach, it’s important to consider Dennis Allen as a possibility for continued leadership. If Brees and ownership believe that Allen’s defense-first philosophy is worth maintaining, they could opt to give him another year with a new offensive coordinator or a revamped supporting cast. Allen’s knowledge of the team, the roster, and the front office might be enough to retain him, even if the offense has underperformed.
However, Brees has made it clear that the team needs an offensive-minded head coach to truly compete at the highest levels, so it’s unlikely that he would fully support keeping Allen without significant changes to the offensive staff.
### Drew Brees’ Influence in the Process
Brees’ influence on the hiring process would likely go beyond just offering his opinion on candidates. As a former quarterback and leader, he has an innate understanding of what a coach needs to do to get the most out of his players. His endorsement of a potential head coach could carry immense weight, not just in the front office, but in the locker room as well.
Brees could help shape the direction of the franchise by providing insight into the kind of leadership needed to propel the team to another championship, much like how he and Payton did during their peak years together. If Brees has confidence in a particular candidate, it could go a long way toward ensuring that person earns the trust of both the players and the fans.
### Conclusion: A Big Decision Ahead for the Saints
As the New Orleans Saints look to the future, the decision on whether to hire from within or bring in an outside candidate will have long-lasting ramifications. With Drew Brees as a trusted figure within the organization, the franchise could look to him for advice on which internal candidates are best suited to lead the team back to championship contention. Whether it’s Pete Carmichael, Ryan Nielsen, or another member of the coaching staff, the choice to promote from within has the potential to provide continuity while allowing the team to implement fresh ideas.
Whatever decision is made, Brees’ influence will likely be felt, making the process of selecting the next head coach a pivotal moment in the Saints’ journey to reclaiming their spot among the NFL’s elite.
