The New Orleans Saints are in the hunt for a new head coach after the firing of Dennis Allen. Not only will his replacement need to show leadership for a locker room that previously had little, but they need to find someone who can install schematic excellence, especially on offense.
While interim head coach Darren Rizzi definitely had some positive momentum building, his inability to win without Derek Carr has helped him lose all his spark to the point where it seems very unlikely he will get any serious consideration.
While the Saints have been linked heavily to Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who both played for New Orleans and got his coaching stripes as a defensive backs coach under Sean Payton, the latest rumblings suggest that Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady may be making a late charge for the pole position.
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Brady's name has come up in the Saints' head coaching search, citing his past experience as a New Orleans assistant, his history with LSU, and his connection with GM Mickey Loomis. Perhaps he could overtake Glenn as the favorite.
Bills OC Joe Brady linked to New Orleans Saints HC job
Brady made his name as the offensive mastermind behind LSU's legendary 2019 team. While it's easy to win in college with Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson, and Ja'Marr Chase on the same team, he deserves credit for unlocking the potential of all three budding superstars.
Brady's first go of it as a coordinator with the Carolina Panthers did not go well, as he was fired after failing to turn a team led by Matt Rhule and Teddy Bridgewater into a contender. Shocker. Brady has rebuilt his stock in Buffalo, as Allen is cooking despite a lack of receiving talent.
Brady will need to be willing to stomach a tough situation in his first few years. The team's financial flexibility will be very limited moving forward, quarterback Derek Carr could be on the move, and the roster around him has some major holes. Will Brady turn down other offers for this job?
If the Saints can land Brady, who has put together high-end passing games at every stop he's been at, that may be their best shot at getting back to contention as soon as possible.