As the NFL season nears its conclusion, the **New Orleans Saints** find themselves in a familiar position of reevaluating their future at the coaching position. The team, which has been in flux following the departure of longtime head coach **Sean Payton** in 2022, has struggled to find a consistent identity under **Dennis Allen**. With Allen’s tenure appearing to be on shaky ground following a disappointing 2023 campaign, the Saints are already turning their attention to the future, and the search for their next head coach has officially begun.
While Allen’s seat has grown hotter, NFL insiders have already begun to speculate on potential candidates who could be the next leader of this storied franchise. A **potential favorite** has emerged in the media, along with a few other names that could also be of interest to the Saints’ brass. This coaching search is not just about finding a replacement—it’s about making the right hire to return New Orleans to playoff contention and beyond.
### Why Dennis Allen’s Tenure is in Jeopardy
Before we dive into the candidates, it’s important to understand why the **Dennis Allen** era in New Orleans is on the line. When the Saints hired Allen in 2022 to replace Sean Payton, they hoped to build upon the foundation Payton had established—most notably a strong defense and a disciplined, smart approach to football.
However, Allen has struggled to elevate the offense and maintain consistent team performance. The Saints have been mediocre at best in the post-Payton era, with the team’s offensive struggles under **Andy Dalton** and **Jameis Winston** highlighted throughout 2023. While the defense has shown flashes of excellence, it has not been enough to mask the team’s offensive deficiencies.
With a roster that still features veteran players like **Alvin Kamara**, **Michael Thomas**, and **Cam Jordan**, the Saints are in a situation where they need to contend now, rather than wait for another rebuild. That’s where the next head coach comes into play.
### NFL Insider Names Potential Favorite: **Eric Bieniemy**
The most recent report from NFL insiders suggests that **Eric Bieniemy**, the offensive coordinator for the **Kansas City Chiefs**, is currently the **favorite** for the Saints’ head coaching job. Bieniemy has long been one of the most discussed coaching candidates in the NFL, having helped lead one of the most dynamic offenses in league history under head coach **Andy Reid**. His role in the development of **Patrick Mahomes** into the league’s top quarterback has certainly bolstered his résumé.
Despite his consistent success in Kansas City, Bieniemy has repeatedly been passed over for head coaching positions. However, the Saints may present a perfect opportunity for him to finally take that leap. New Orleans is desperate to fix its offense, and Bieniemy could be the perfect candidate to bring balance to a team that has struggled in that area.
Bieniemy’s ability to work with elite quarterbacks, manage a high-powered offense, and his familiarity with the NFC landscape make him a prime candidate for the Saints. His leadership in Kansas City has been undeniable, and the Saints are in need of a coach who can not only lead but also get the best out of their playmakers on offense. If he can replicate some of the offensive success he helped orchestrate with the Chiefs, Bieniemy could be the long-term solution for New Orleans.
### The Case for Bieniemy
There are several reasons why Bieniemy could be the right fit in New Orleans:
1. **Offensive Expertise**: The Saints’ primary issue under Dennis Allen has been the lack of offensive firepower. Bieniemy’s pedigree with Mahomes and the Chiefs offense would instantly upgrade the Saints’ offensive scheme, providing a more dynamic and modern approach to a team that has struggled in recent years.
2. **Player Development**: Bieniemy has proven himself as a player developer, helping to shape Mahomes into the league’s MVP and Super Bowl MVP. Working with **Derek Carr** or potentially a new quarterback would be a great challenge for Bieniemy, and it’s a challenge that could turn into success with the right personnel and a solid system in place.
3. **Winning Culture**: Bieniemy has been part of the Chiefs’ dynasty under Andy Reid, which has consistently contended for championships. Bringing that winning mindset to New Orleans could be exactly what the Saints need to return to their postseason glory days.
### Other Coaching Candidates for the Saints
While Bieniemy may be the current frontrunner, several other names have emerged as potential candidates who could also make sense for the Saints. These coaches have varying levels of experience but share a common thread: they could all bring something different to New Orleans.
#### 1. **Ben Johnson (Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator)**
One of the hottest young coaching candidates in the NFL, **Ben Johnson**, the offensive coordinator of the **Detroit Lions**, has been garnering significant attention for his work with the Lions’ high-scoring offense. Johnson has done an incredible job in Detroit, helping quarterback **Jared Goff** thrive and revamping an offense that was once considered lackluster.
What makes Johnson particularly appealing to the Saints is his innovative approach and ability to get the most out of his players. His creative use of the run game, combined with a sophisticated passing attack, could be the antidote to the Saints’ offensive struggles. Johnson’s success in Detroit, particularly in building a strong, cohesive offense, could be exactly what New Orleans needs to get back into playoff contention.
Additionally, Johnson is still relatively young, which makes him a potential long-term solution for the Saints, allowing the team to build around his offensive philosophies over time. If the Saints want to modernize their offense and stay competitive in the NFC South, Johnson could be a strong candidate to consider.
#### 2. **Jim Harbaugh (Michigan Head Coach)**
**Jim Harbaugh** is no stranger to NFL success. The former **San Francisco 49ers** head coach took the team to the Super Bowl and built a hard-nosed, physical squad that nearly won it all. Since returning to Michigan, Harbaugh has transformed the Wolverines into perennial college football playoff contenders, and his name has been mentioned in NFL coaching rumors for years.
While Harbaugh has had his share of success at the collegiate level, his return to the NFL could be exactly what the Saints need. Known for his strong leadership and ability to manage both sides of the ball, Harbaugh could bring a sense of discipline and organization to the Saints’ locker room. His defensive background, combined with his offensive ingenuity, would make him a well-rounded coach for New Orleans. His successful track record in San Francisco also speaks volumes, and there’s a growing belief that he could be ready for another NFL challenge.
#### 3. **Sean Payton (Former Saints Head Coach)**
While it may seem like a long shot, there has been speculation that **Sean Payton**, who stepped down as head coach of the Saints in 2022, could return to New Orleans. Payton, currently working as a commentator, has never fully closed the door on a potential return to coaching, and the Saints would likely welcome him back with open arms, given his previous success.
Payton’s ability to work with quarterbacks and orchestrate high-powered offenses is well-documented. He led the Saints to a Super Bowl victory and consistently had one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. While his return might be unlikely due to his current position with the Denver Broncos, the Saints have the history and familiarity with Payton to make the conversation interesting.
### Conclusion: A Pivotal Decision for the Future
As the New Orleans Saints look ahead to their coaching search, it’s clear they have multiple avenues to explore. The team is in need of a coach who can restore balance and direction, particularly on offense, while managing the roster that still has key veterans in place. While **Eric Bieniemy** may currently be the favorite, **Ben Johnson**, **Jim Harbaugh**, and even a potential return from **Sean Payton** all present unique opportunities for New Orleans to reinvent itself.
This decision will have long-term implications for the future of the franchise, and the Saints’ front office will need to make a choice that balances both the present and future. With a strong coaching hire, New Orleans could quickly return to being a playoff contender in the NFC South, but the search will need to be thorough and calculated.