The search for the next head coach of the New Orleans Saints has been a major storyline in the NFL offseason, with the team looking to find a leader who can guide them back to contention after a rocky few seasons. Now, the team appears to be moving closer to a decision, as reports have surfaced that the Saints are set to schedule second interviews with two key coaching candidates. This development marks a critical stage in the process, as New Orleans looks to find the right fit to usher in a new era for the franchise.
In this blog post, we’ll take a deeper dive into the two candidates who are reportedly slated for second interviews, what their potential hiring would mean for the Saints, and how the organization is positioning itself for success in 2024 and beyond.
### The New Orleans Saints: A Team at a Crossroads
The Saints, under longtime head coach Sean Payton, enjoyed sustained success and a Super Bowl championship in 2009. However, since Payton’s departure after the 2021 season, the team has struggled to find its footing. While the defense has remained strong, the offense has been inconsistent, with quarterback play being a primary issue.
In 2023, under interim head coach Dennis Allen, the Saints finished with a mediocre 7-10 record, despite playing in a relatively weak NFC South division. Allen, who had been promoted to head coach after Payton’s exit, was expected to provide the necessary stability, especially with his background as a defensive mind. However, his tenure has been marked by an inability to improve the offense or make the necessary adjustments to keep up with the evolving NFL landscape. As a result, the Saints’ brass decided to move on from Allen, signaling the beginning of a new coaching search.
With several vacancies across the NFL, the Saints’ search has been both closely watched and competitive. The team has been looking for a coach who can reignite the offense, develop a young quarterback (likely in the form of Derek Carr or a future prospect), and bring sustained success to the organization. This search has now boiled down to two promising candidates, both of whom bring distinct qualifications and styles to the table.
### The Two Candidates: Who’s in the Running?
According to recent reports, the two candidates set to receive second interviews with the Saints are **Eric Bieniemy**, the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, and **Ben Johnson**, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Let’s explore what each candidate brings to the table and why the Saints are interested in these two highly regarded coaches.
#### 1. **Eric Bieniemy: The Experienced Offensive Mind**
Eric Bieniemy has long been one of the top names on the head coaching radar, and for good reason. After serving as the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs under Andy Reid for several seasons, Bieniemy helped turn the Chiefs’ offense into one of the most explosive and successful units in NFL history. Bieniemy played a key role in the development of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, overseeing an offense that led the league in scoring multiple times and earned a Super Bowl victory in 2020.
Despite his accomplishments in Kansas City, Bieniemy has faced challenges in securing a head coaching job. Many critics have questioned whether Bieniemy’s success is a product of Reid’s system or whether he truly deserves a shot as a head coach. However, Bieniemy’s résumé speaks for itself: he’s a proven leader, a brilliant offensive mind, and a coach who has worked with some of the league’s most talented players. After spending several years as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator, Bieniemy took on the same role with the Washington Commanders in 2023, where he was tasked with improving a stagnant offense and working with young quarterback Sam Howell.
Bieniemy’s potential hiring would bring an immediate jolt to the Saints’ offense. He is known for his high-powered, dynamic offensive schemes, which rely heavily on creating mismatches through smart play calling, creative use of motion, and a strong passing attack. Given the Saints’ struggles on offense in recent years, Bieniemy’s reputation for getting the most out of quarterbacks would be a welcome change. He also has a reputation for being a player’s coach, which could help revive New Orleans’ locker room culture and motivate the team to perform at a higher level.
For the Saints, Bieniemy could be the solution to their quarterback woes. If the team is committed to Derek Carr as their starter, Bieniemy’s presence could help him elevate his game to the level he showed in his earlier seasons with the Oakland Raiders. Alternatively, Bieniemy could be tasked with developing a young quarterback, should the team choose to go in that direction in the coming seasons.
#### 2. **Ben Johnson: The Rising Star**
Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has quickly made a name for himself as one of the brightest young minds in the NFL. Johnson’s innovative and adaptable offensive schemes were a key factor in the Lions’ rise in 2023, as the team finished in the top 10 in both scoring and total offense. Under his leadership, Detroit’s offense became more diverse, blending a strong running game with an explosive passing attack. Quarterback Jared Goff experienced a career resurgence, benefiting from Johnson’s play designs, which utilized misdirection, play action, and an emphasis on intermediate and deep passing routes.
Before taking over as offensive coordinator, Johnson worked in various roles with the Lions, including as the quarterbacks coach and tight ends coach. His ability to work with a variety of skill positions and adapt to the strengths of his players has made him an attractive candidate for several teams in need of offensive-minded leadership.
For the Saints, Johnson could represent a fresh, modern approach to the offense. His work with Goff suggests that he could bring out the best in Carr or any future quarterback the Saints may acquire. Johnson’s adaptability is one of his most appealing traits; he is not wedded to one particular style of offense but instead looks to maximize the strengths of his players. This flexibility could allow him to tailor the Saints’ offense to their personnel and make immediate improvements in areas such as red-zone efficiency and third-down conversion rates.
Johnson’s rise in the coaching ranks has been meteoric, and his ability to revamp the Lions’ offense has made him one of the most sought-after candidates in the 2024 coaching cycle. If hired, Johnson would bring a youthful energy and innovative mindset to the Saints’ coaching staff, potentially revitalizing a franchise that has been in need of an offensive overhaul.
### What Does This Mean for the Saints?
As the Saints continue their search for the right head coach, scheduling second interviews with Bieniemy and Johnson is a strong indication that the team is serious about finding someone who can lead them into a new chapter. Both candidates offer distinct advantages, and the decision will likely come down to which coach aligns best with the Saints’ vision for the future.
For Bieniemy, the appeal is clear: he brings vast experience in running a high-powered offense, a track record of success, and a proven ability to work with quarterbacks. His leadership could be what the Saints need to revamp their offense and get back to their winning ways. For Johnson, the promise lies in his ability to adapt and innovate, along with his potential to develop a young quarterback and transform an offense into a more balanced, dynamic unit.
The Saints’ front office, led by general manager Mickey Loomis, is likely looking for a coach who can not only bring out the best in their current roster but also lay the foundation for long-term success. With the NFC South still wide open, the right hire could propel New Orleans back into contention as soon as the 2024 season.
### Conclusion: A Critical Decision for New Orleans
The New Orleans Saints are at a pivotal moment in their history, and the decision they make in hiring their next head coach will shape the franchise for years to come. The second interviews with Eric Bieniemy and Ben Johnson are a clear indication that the team is taking the search seriously and is considering all options.
Both coaches bring unique strengths to the table, and whichever one ultimately gets the job will have the responsibility of reigniting the Saints’ offense and returning the team to the postseason. The future of New Orleans rests on this important decision, and the next few weeks will be crucial as the Saints look to secure the leader who can take them back to prominence.
