The 2024 season actually started off strong for New Orleans, as they thrashed both the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys with back to back 40+ point performances. However, the season would quickly unravel after a myriad of injuries and poor play would result in a 7 game losing streak, resulting in Head Coach Dennis Allen getting shown the door. Darren Rizzi was appointed to Interim Head Coach and so far is 3-2.
If Darren can keep positive momentum, the New Orleans Saints could have themselves a Christmas gift from within. But there’s also the possibility the season could snowball southward and finish at the bottom of the NFC totem pole. With that being said, here are some Head Coach candidates that could help rejuvenate the franchise.
Aaron Glenn-Lions Defensive Coordinator
Aaron has had his name thrown in Head Coaching circles for a few years and 2024 might be his breakthrough to become an NFL Head Coach. Glenn previously worked for the New Orleans Saints as their Defensive Backs Coach from 2016-2020 before being tabbed by Dan Campbell to lead the defense in Detroit.
2024 has seen a large jump in defensive production for the Lions despite losing star Edge Rusher Aiden Hutchinson for the season. So far this year the Lions are 5th in scoring defense(17.7 Points Allowed Per Game), T-5th in turnovers forced(19), and 5th in rushing yards allowed(95). If the New Orleans Saints are looking for a candidate with a ton of energy that has experience turning around a culture, Aaron Glenn should be at the forefront of those discussions.
Todd Monken-Ravens Offensive Coordinator
It’s been an explosive year for Todd Monken and the Baltimore Ravens Offense. In 12 games this season, the Ravens rank 1st in yards per game(430), 2nd in scoring offense(30.4 Points Per Game), 2nd in rushing yards per game(177) and 3rd in passing yards per game(253). Todd has also had previous stints as an Offensive Coordinator with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns from 2016-2019. Todd has no Head Coaching experience at the professional level, but he did have an impressive turnaround at Southern Mississippi.
The Golden Eagles hit rock bottom in 2012, going winless and needed a complete restart. Under Monken’s leadership, USM would go from 1-11 to 3-9 to 9-5 and a trip to the 2015 CUSA Championship. College is an entirely different animal compared to the NFL
Joe Brady-Bills Offensive Coordinator
Despite only being 35 years old, Joe Brady will find himself in NFL Head Coach circles this offseason with his impressive work as the Bills offensive play caller. Buffalo is currently ranked 2nd in points per game(29.6) and 10th in total offense(347.5 yards per game). Superstar Quarterback Josh Allen has been extremely productive in Joe Brady’s offense this year, tallying 2691 yards, 20 touchdowns to only 5 interceptions, while guiding the team to a 10-2 record. Good enough for the 2 seed in the NFC. Josh Allen’s excellent performance this year will definitely help Joe Brady’s case as a Quarterback whisperer for any new team he goes to that needs more production out of the position.
It could be too early for Joe, as 35 is very young to be a leader of men, but his impressive resume in Buffalo can’t be overlooked. Add to that the somewhat low supply of surefire Head Coach options, Joe Brady could be another young hotshot that gets his time to shine in the spotlight.
Brian Flores-Vikings Defensive Coordinator
This is a bit tricky, as Brian Flores filed a lawsuit against the NFL for discriminatory hiring practices and the lawsuit is still ongoing. It would be a PR nightmare for any team looking to hire Brian at this time, but if he drops the lawsuit, Flores should be seen as a prime candidate in many head coaching circles. The Vikings have seen an uptick in defensive production this year, with many of the new players such as Edge Rusher Jonathan Greenard and Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel thriving in Flores’ defensive scheme.
This season the Vikings rank 12th in total defense(324.7 yards allowed per game), 1st in run defense(81.3 yards allowed per game), 5th in scoring defense (18.3 points per game), 1st in interceptions(18), and 4th in sacks(39). Brian is one of the brightest defensive minds in football and knows how to get the most out of his talent as shown during his stint as the Dolphins Head Coach. As one of the few coaches on the market that has experience leading his own team, he should be a high priority target for New Orleans.
Kellen Moore-Eagles Offensive Coordinator
In just six seasons so far into his coaching career, Kellen Moore has already been an offensive play caller with three different teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers and now the Philadelphia Eagles. The 36 year old was mentioned in previous head coaching cycles but was passed up on. 2025 could be the breakout for Kellen Moore to get his first head coaching gig. Philadelphia’s offense has been excellent in 2024, ranking 4th in total offense(377.7 yards per game), 1st in rushing offense(188.9 yards per game), and 7th in scoring offense(26.7 points per game).
Kellen Moore has worked with some of the NFL’s premiere quarterbacks including Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert and now Jalen Hurts. 36 years old is very young for a Head Coach at any level, but Kellen’s production can’t be ignored. The Saints offense has been anemic since 2021, and changes need to be made on that side of the ball and Kellen Moore would instantly be an upgrade.
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