5 candidates who could be the Saints next head coach

The New Orleans Saints head coaching job isn’t the most attractive in the NFL right now. The team faces one of the worst salary cap situations in the league, and while their star players remain productive, they’re caught in an age bracket that’s neither young nor entirely in their prime. Despite these challenges, the role still holds value, and regardless, it’s a head coaching opportunity in the NFL, something many coaches dream of attaining.

So with the Saints set to undergo a coaching search after the season, here are a few potential candidates who could be in line for the head coaching job in New Orleans.

1. Darren Rizzi (Saints Interim Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator)

The Saints often like to stay within the organization, so there's little surprise here. After a 2-0 start under his leadership, Rizzi has not only earned the trust of the organization but also the respect and admiration of the locker room.

Players have rallied behind Rizzi, whose unique swagger and visible passion for the game resonate on and off the field. What truly sets him apart is his genuine connection with the team. Even before his promotion, Rizzi was known for taking the time to engage with players across all units, not just those on special teams. This kind of relationship-building, showing true care, is often an overlooked yet critical quality in great coaches.

Rizzi's ability to bring energy to a struggling team, has injected a new life into the Saints. While his interim title remains, his impact on the team is undeniable, and his leadership makes a compelling case for him to be the permanent head of the team.

2. Joe Brady (Buffalo Bills Offensive Coordinator)

Louisiana football fans will never forget the impact Joe Brady had during LSU’s legendary 2019 season. As the Passing Game Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach for LSU that year, Brady played a pivotal role in orchestrating one of the greatest offenses in college football history. That magical run led to many successes: a national championship, a Heisman Trophy and Player of the Year honors for Joe Burrow, and the development of elite talents like Biletnikoff winner Ja'Marr Chase and fellow first-round pick Justin Jefferson.

Following that historic season, Brady made the jump to the NFL as the Carolina Panthers’ Offensive Coordinator in 2020. While his tenure in Carolina didn’t lead to much success, Brady is now thriving as the Offensive Coordinator for the Buffalo Bills. Under his guidance, the Bills have consistently featured one of the league's most explosive offenses, led by MVP candidate Josh Allen.

What many may not realize is that Brady’s ties to New Orleans run deeper than his LSU fame. Before his rise to stardom, Brady served as an offensive assistant for the Saints from 2017-2018, working under Sean Payton and learning the intricacies of NFL offensive schemes.

Brady’s ability to develop quarterbacks and manage high-powered offenses makes him a very compellong name in Saints potential job search. With his Louisiana roots and proven track record, it wouldn’t be surprising if his name comes back up.

3. Eric Bieniemy (UCLA Bruins Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator)

New Orleans native Eric Bieniemy has long been seen as a coach with the potential to lead an NFL team. His ambition to become a head coach started getting more notoriety during his tenure as Offensive Coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he was instrumental in developing one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and winning two Super Bowl.

Despite the Chiefs' success, Bieniemy was often overshadowed by head coach Andy Reid, widely regarded as one of the best offensive minds in football. The lack of credit and head coaching opportunities eventually led to Bieniemy taking the same role with the Washington Commanders in 2023, this time with the added title of Assistant Head Coach.

Unfortunately, his stint in Washington was short-lived. The Commanders struggled offensively, and Bieniemy was let go after just one season. While that didn’t work out, his track record of success in Kansas City and his reputation for leadership should still make him a name in coaching discussions.

As a New Orleans native with a proven offensive pedigree, Bieniemy’s name could still surface in conversations for teams looking to revive or develop their offensive identity.

4. Klint Kubiak (Saints Offensive Coordinator)

Through the first two weeks of the season, Kubiak had the New Orleans Saints seemingly unstoppable, leading the NFL in both scoring and total offense. While the team has since experienced inconsistencies, Kubiak has shown an impressive ability to adapt and find creative ways to get his playmakers involved.

Kubiak’s offensive system stems directly from being a disciple of Kyle Shanahan in 2023, when he served as the Passing Game Coordinator with the 49ers. His system emphasizes true offensive balance, pre-snap motions, and easing reads for his players.

Despite not getting back to start of the year form, Kubiak still uses what he has and has still kept the Saints competitive and offers a glimpse of his potential to lead an offense and team long-term.

5. Ben Johnson (Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator)

Ben Johnson has become one of the NFL’s top offensive minds and has positioned himself as a popular candidate for head coaching roles following this season. While the Saints maybe aren't the ideal scenario for a first-time head coach, Johnson has made it clear he aspires to lead a team. In a league where opportunities are limited, it’s often about making the most of the chances that come your way.

Johnson has completely transformed the Lions’ offense, turning them into the NFL’s third-ranked offense in the league. Just three years ago, the Lions were a team with little hope of even reaching .500. Now, under Johnson's guidance, they are legitimate contenders and the current NFC favorites to reach Super Bowl LIX.

Taking over in New Orleans would be no easy task, however Johnson’s ability to transform the Lions from perennial underdogs to NFC powerhouses proves he has the tools to rebuild and deserves the opportunity to lead his own team.

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