As the New Orleans Saints’ search for a new head coach continues, one thing has become abundantly clear: the franchise is sticking to familiar territory. While fans and analysts were hoping for a shake-up in the form of a bold, outside-the-box hire, the Saints have instead focused their attention on a group of candidates that includes many of the usual suspects in NFL coaching circles. With the team still in the early stages of what is expected to be a lengthy and scrutinized process, it remains to be seen whether New Orleans will make a surprise move or settle on one of the more conventional choices.
### The Need for Change
After a decade of dominance under former head coach Sean Payton, who led the Saints to a Super Bowl championship and established the team as perennial NFC contenders, the franchise has been in flux since his departure. Payton’s exit left a massive void both on the field and in the locker room. While the Saints had some success under interim head coach Dennis Allen, they have failed to recapture their former glory in the years following Payton’s retirement.
With the 2024 season now in the rearview mirror, the Saints’ front office, led by General Manager Mickey Loomis and team owner Gayle Benson, is keen on finding a long-term solution to restore the team’s competitiveness. The next head coach will have the daunting task of guiding a roster that has the talent to contend, but has been inconsistent in recent years. Whether it’s fixing quarterback play, improving offensive consistency, or reestablishing a stout defense, the new head coach will face a multi-faceted challenge.
### The Usual Suspects: Names You’re Already Familiar With
The Saints have reportedly interviewed or are in the process of interviewing a number of candidates, and while many of the names being floated are intriguing, they aren’t exactly shocking. Here’s a closer look at the usual suspects who have either been interviewed or are rumored to be on the Saints’ radar.
#### **1. Dennis Allen (Current Interim Head Coach)**
It seems almost inevitable that Dennis Allen will be among the candidates to take over full-time, given that he has served as the Saints’ interim head coach since Sean Payton’s departure. Despite some solid individual performances from the team, New Orleans’ results under Allen have been inconsistent at best. Allen’s tenure as a defensive-minded head coach has been highlighted by a strong defensive unit, but the offense has often sputtered, particularly in the post-Drew Brees era.
Allen, who has previously served as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders (now Las Vegas Raiders), brings experience and familiarity to the table. His defensive acumen is one of the reasons why the Saints’ defense has been able to stay competitive, but many fans and analysts have questioned his ability to oversee a complete rebuild that involves revitalizing the offense.
Still, given his previous success within the organization and his continuity in the system, there is a sense that the Saints could ultimately go with Allen, particularly if they fail to land one of their higher-profile candidates.
#### **2. Eric Bieniemy (Offensive Coordinator, Washington Commanders)**
Eric Bieniemy, the longtime offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs under Andy Reid, has long been regarded as one of the top candidates for head coaching positions. After years of interviews and rejections, Bieniemy finally moved to the Washington Commanders in 2024, hoping that a fresh start as the sole offensive play-caller would give him the necessary experience to land a head coaching job.
Bieniemy is known for his work with Patrick Mahomes, helping to mold one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses, and his ability to develop offensive systems and build a rapport with quarterbacks. The Saints, who have struggled to find a consistent solution at the quarterback position since Drew Brees’ retirement, could be intrigued by Bieniemy’s background in building explosive offenses.
However, despite his success in Kansas City, Bieniemy’s ability to lead a team as a head coach remains a point of contention for some. There are still questions about whether he can replicate his success without the guidance of Reid, and whether he can command the respect of players in the same way he did as an offensive coordinator. Still, his name will undoubtedly remain in the conversation.
#### **3. Sean Payton’s Former Assistants: The Familiar Faces**
Given Sean Payton’s long tenure in New Orleans, it’s no surprise that many of his former assistants are in the mix for the head coaching job. Several names from Payton’s coaching staff over the years have emerged as possible candidates.
**Pete Carmichael (Former Offensive Coordinator, New Orleans Saints)**: Pete Carmichael served as the offensive coordinator under Payton for over a decade and is highly respected within the Saints organization. His deep knowledge of the system and his close relationship with many of the players makes him an intriguing candidate. However, his lack of experience as a head coach and his underwhelming performance during his final years in New Orleans may hurt his chances.
**Dan Campbell (Head Coach, Detroit Lions)**: Although Campbell is already firmly entrenched in his role with the Lions, his name continues to surface in coaching searches due to his history with the Saints. Campbell served as the assistant head coach under Payton and gained invaluable experience working alongside one of the best in the business. His energetic, hard-nosed approach has resonated in Detroit, where he has helped turn the Lions into a playoff contender. While Campbell appears to be settled in Detroit, it’s worth noting that he was highly regarded as a potential successor to Payton at one point.
#### **4. Ben Johnson (Offensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions)**
Ben Johnson, the highly respected offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has garnered significant attention for his work in turning Detroit’s offense into one of the NFL’s most productive units. Johnson’s ability to maximize the potential of Jared Goff and the Lions’ skill players, combined with his innovative offensive strategies, has made him a sought-after coaching candidate.
For the Saints, Johnson’s offensive prowess would be a major selling point, particularly if they are serious about revitalizing their offense. However, Johnson’s relative inexperience compared to some of the other candidates might give the Saints pause. The team may prefer a more seasoned coach who can handle the multifaceted challenges of leading an NFL franchise.
### What’s Holding the Saints Back from Making a Bold Move?
Despite the names that are in the mix, it’s clear that the Saints are taking a conservative approach to their coaching search. While many fans may have hoped for a bold move—perhaps targeting a young, untested coach with fresh ideas or a more unconventional choice—the organization has shown a preference for the familiar and experienced.
Several factors are likely influencing the Saints’ conservative approach:
– **The Importance of Continuity**: Given the Saints’ relatively stable ownership and management structure, the franchise may be prioritizing continuity over drastic change. Sticking with someone who knows the system and has experience within the organization might be seen as a safer option, especially given the complexities of a roster that is ready to win now.
– **Filling the Leadership Void**: After Sean Payton’s departure, the Saints may feel that it’s important to appoint someone with experience in managing both the locker room and the front office. While bold choices can work in the right context, New Orleans may prefer a leader who already understands the demands of being a head coach in the NFL.
– **The Quarterback Situation**: With questions surrounding the team’s quarterback play, the Saints may be leaning toward hiring a coach who can help resolve that issue, rather than taking a risk on a rookie coach. Whether it’s developing a young quarterback or finding the right fit for an established signal-caller, the next head coach will need to have a firm grasp on the offensive side of the ball.
### Conclusion
As the New Orleans Saints continue to interview candidates for their head coaching position, one thing is clear: they are opting for the safe route. From Dennis Allen’s internal candidacy to the interest in familiar faces like Eric Bieniemy and Pete Carmichael, the Saints are not making any bold moves—at least not yet. Whether this approach will pay off remains to be seen, but for now, it seems New Orleans is focusing on stability, continuity, and experience as they navigate a critical period of rebuilding. As the coaching search progresses, however, don’t rule out the possibility of a surprise twist. After all, in the NFL, things can change in an instant.
