The New Orleans Saints’ season hit rock bottom with a humiliating 34-0 defeat in primetime that left fans and analysts questioning the team’s direction.
While injuries certainly played their part, the complete collapse on national television exposed deeper issues that can’t be explained.
New Orleans now faces crucial decisions heading into the offseason, with finding a new head coach at the top of the list.
Dennis Allen’s departure and Darren Rizzi’s interim role have opened the door for what promises to be an intriguing coaching search.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter shed light on two leading candidates during Monday Night Countdown.
“They are going to heat up their coaching search towards the end of this season,” Schefter revealed. “One of the candidates expected to be square on their radar will be the Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn who has coached in New Orleans, has a history with the franchise, the organization knows him well. I also expect the organization to have some level of interest in the former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. And of course there will be other names.”
“One of the candidates expected to be square on their radar will be [Lions DC] Aaron Glenn… I also would expect the organization would have some level of interest in [former Titans HC] Mike Vrabel.” – Adam Schefter with the latest on the Saints’ HC search and QB situation #NFL pic.twitter.com/AHmwShfLw3
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 24, 2024
While both Glenn and Vrabel bring strong defensive credentials, questions linger about their ability to jumpstart the Saints’ sputtering offense.
The new coach will likely need to work with Derek Carr under center, given the team’s complicated financial situation.
The Saints’ monetary woes heading into 2025 are staggering. They’re already staring at $48.4 million in dead money, the NFL’s highest figure, after parting ways with Marshon Lattimore, Michael Thomas, and Jameis Winston.
That number could skyrocket to an almost unthinkable $100 million if they decide to move on from Carr.
For whoever takes the helm, the challenge extends beyond just coaching.
Rebuilding a competitive team while navigating such severe financial constraints would test even the most seasoned NFL strategist.
