In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, coaching staff changes often go under the radar compared to player transactions. However, in the case of New Orleans Saints special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, his name has been gaining momentum in the coaching circles, with whispers about a potential move to another team now beginning to surface. A new potential landing spot for Rizzi has emerged, and it’s one that could have significant implications for both his career and the franchise that ultimately lands him.
Rizzi has long been one of the league’s most respected special teams coordinators, and his work with the Saints has only enhanced his reputation as one of the best in the business. As the Saints continue to shape their coaching staff under head coach Dennis Allen, Rizzi’s future remains uncertain, with the possibility of a head coaching or coordinator position elsewhere on the horizon. While the Saints may want to retain him, the appeal of a new opportunity in a different organization could prove too enticing. Let’s dive into Rizzi’s background, the potential landing spot that has emerged, and what his departure would mean for both the Saints and the NFL landscape.
### Darren Rizzi’s Career: A Proven Special Teams Architect
Before diving into the new opportunities on the table for Rizzi, it’s important to understand his background and what makes him such a sought-after coaching talent. Darren Rizzi has spent over a decade in the NFL coaching special teams, and during that time, he’s earned a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable, consistent, and effective coaches in the game.
Rizzi’s coaching career began in the college ranks before transitioning to the NFL. His first NFL job came with the Miami Dolphins in 2010, where he served as the team’s special teams coordinator. Under Rizzi, the Dolphins saw remarkable improvement in their special teams performance, and he quickly established himself as one of the brightest minds in the NFL in that role. His work was recognized across the league, and in 2018, Rizzi moved to the New Orleans Saints to take over as their special teams coordinator.
Since joining the Saints, Rizzi’s impact has been undeniable. His units have consistently ranked among the best in the NFL, helping the team control field position, execute in critical situations, and make game-changing plays. His ability to develop young players, particularly on special teams, has been a hallmark of his tenure. Whether it’s blocking kicks, converting key onside kicks, or making crucial tackles in the open field, Rizzi’s special teams units have consistently been a source of strength for the Saints.
The fact that Rizzi’s special teams groups have consistently delivered at a high level has made him a valuable commodity in the NFL coaching landscape. His reputation is well-earned, and as a result, he has seen interest from multiple teams looking to bolster their own special teams units or, potentially, promote him to a more prominent role.
### The New Potential Landing Spot
As the NFL season continues to unfold, several coaching vacancies have popped up around the league, and while some are related to head coach positions, others focus on specific coordinator roles. However, one new potential landing spot for Darren Rizzi has emerged, and it’s one that has many in the football world buzzing.
That landing spot is none other than the **Chicago Bears**.
While the Bears have shown progress in their rebuild over the past few years, their special teams play has often been a weak point. With a new regime under head coach Matt Eberflus, the Bears are looking to continue their organizational overhaul, focusing on areas of need in order to become a more competitive team in the NFC North. Special teams have been a noticeable issue for the Bears, and as a result, the team could be eyeing Rizzi as a potential solution.
The Bears have long been known for their defensive prowess, and the team’s offense has shown signs of life, especially with the emergence of quarterback Justin Fields. However, one area that has consistently let them down is their special teams play. With missed field goals, poor punt returns, and struggles in coverage, the Bears’ special teams units have often been a hindrance rather than an asset.
Enter Darren Rizzi, who could be just the coach the Bears need to turn things around in that critical phase of the game. Rizzi’s ability to elevate special teams units, particularly his knack for transforming struggling units into strengths, would provide an immediate boost for the Bears. He has a proven track record of taking teams that are weak in special teams and turning them into top-tier groups capable of influencing the outcome of games. If Rizzi were to land in Chicago, it would likely mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Bears’ special teams, offering much-needed consistency and reliability.
### Why the Chicago Bears?
Why, then, is the Chicago Bears job such an attractive potential landing spot for Rizzi? There are several factors at play here.
#### 1. **Opportunity for Impact**
While the Bears are still in the process of rebuilding, they have a solid foundation in place, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Special teams is an area where Rizzi could immediately make an impact and potentially elevate the team to another level. If he succeeds in improving the Bears’ special teams play, Rizzi could quickly become one of the most important figures in the team’s overall success. The Bears, in turn, would see immediate dividends from such a hire, which is attractive to an organization looking to solidify all aspects of its roster.
#### 2. **A Team with a Strong Foundation and Room for Growth**
The Bears are entering an important phase in their rebuild, with quarterback Justin Fields now firmly in place as the franchise quarterback. The team has also begun adding key pieces to its offense and defense. With all of that said, the next step in the process is improving complementary aspects of the game, and special teams play is often one of the most overlooked but influential parts of a team’s success.
Rizzi would be tasked with not only improving the Bears’ coverage units and return game but also with working on the mental aspect of special teams. His ability to mentor young players and bring out the best in them would be crucial in developing a long-term, sustainable foundation for the Bears’ special teams units.
#### 3. **A Reputation for Player Development**
One of Rizzi’s strongest qualities as a coach has been his ability to develop players. Whether it’s working with kickers, punters, or return specialists, Rizzi has a knack for identifying talent and maximizing it. For a young team like the Bears, who are continuing to develop their roster, Rizzi’s expertise in developing special teams talent could prove invaluable. Not only would he make an immediate impact, but his long-term influence on the Bears’ young players could pay dividends for years to come.
#### 4. **Coaching in a Big Market**
Chicago is a major NFL market, and for a coach like Rizzi, landing with a team in a city of this magnitude is not just about the football opportunity—it’s also about career growth. The Bears are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, and a successful stint in Chicago could elevate Rizzi’s profile to new heights, opening doors for future opportunities, including potential head coaching gigs.
### What Would It Mean for the Saints?
If Darren Rizzi were to leave New Orleans for the Chicago Bears, it would be a significant loss for the Saints. While the Saints have had their fair share of struggles over the past few seasons, Rizzi’s special teams units have consistently been one of the most stable aspects of the team. Losing a coach with Rizzi’s expertise would leave a void that may be difficult to fill, particularly given how critical special teams are to a team’s overall success.
The Saints would have to quickly pivot and find a replacement who can maintain the level of excellence Rizzi has established in New Orleans. However, Rizzi’s potential departure could also present an opportunity for another coach to step into the role and bring fresh ideas to the team’s special teams units.
### Conclusion
Darren Rizzi’s potential move to the Chicago Bears could mark the beginning of a new chapter in his coaching career, one that would offer him the opportunity to make an immediate impact with a team on the rise. For the Bears, Rizzi represents a chance to elevate their special teams play and bring consistency to a critical phase of the game. For the Saints, losing Rizzi would be a blow, but his potential departure could also open up new opportunities for growth.
As Rizzi’s name continues to circulate in coaching circles, all eyes will be on the Bears and their next steps, with the possibility of a new special teams coach at the forefront of their plans.