Saints Head Coach shares Four More Candidates for New Orleans to Consider as he says players have….
With the New Orleans Saints’ season winding down and the team facing a critical six-game stretch, speculation about their future is already heating up. Whether or not the Saints make a playoff run, the decision about who will lead this franchise into the next era is looming large. While the Saints have been rumored to be considering several prominent candidates for their head coaching vacancy, there are several under-the-radar names who could also be viable options.
As New Orleans continues to evaluate its options, here are four more coaching candidates the Saints should consider as they search for their next head coach.
1. Kliff Kingsbury (45) – Washington Commanders Offensive Coordinator
Kliff Kingsbury’s coaching journey has had its ups and downs, but he could still be a strong candidate for a head coaching position. After a tumultuous end to his tenure with the Arizona Cardinals, Kingsbury took a brief hiatus in 2023, spending a year at USC before landing the offensive coordinator role with the Washington Commanders. His work with young quarterback Jayden Daniels has been impressive, and Washington’s offense has shown significant improvement under his tutelage.
Kingsbury’s experience in the NFL and his time with the Saints as a practice squad player in 2004 might give him a unique understanding of the team’s culture. While his previous stint as a head coach was underwhelming, his ability to develop a high-powered offense could make him an intriguing candidate for New Orleans, especially if they’re looking for an offensive-minded leader to revitalize the squad.
2. Brian Flores (43) – Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator
Brian Flores has been on the coaching radar for several years now, and his name could surface again as a potential candidate for the Saints. After a controversial exit from the Miami Dolphins, where he served as head coach from 2019-2021, Flores landed with the Pittsburgh
Flores was part of the interview process when New Orleans hired Dennis Allen, so there’s a chance the Saints may revisit his candidacy. With his roots in the Bill Belichick coaching tree, Flores could bring a disciplined, no-nonsense approach to the Saints, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Given the Saints’ struggles with consistency, Flores could be the spark that ignites their defense and helps bring a balanced approach to the team.
3. Dan Pitcher (37) – Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Coordinator
Dan Pitcher has been quietly rising through the coaching ranks, and it’s no surprise that he could be a hot candidate in the next coaching cycle. As the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, Pitcher has been instrumental in shaping one of the most dynamic offenses in the league, despite a rough season for the team overall. Pitcher was actually approached by the Saints in the past for an offensive coordinator role, but chose to remain with Cincinnati, a decision that has clearly paid off given the Bengals’ offensive success.
If the Saints decide to make a change on the offensive side of the ball, Pitcher could be a natural fit. His success working with Joe Burrow and his understanding of modern offensive schemes would be invaluable to a team looking to improve in that area. With a sharp mind and the ability to adapt to different personnel, Pitcher could bring a fresh perspective to New Orleans’ offensive attack.
4. Bobby Slowik (37) – Houston Texans Offensive Coordinator
Bobby Slowik’s stock has been on the rise since he took over as the offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans, and it’s easy to see why. The Texans’ offense, under rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, has been surprisingly effective, even as the team has dealt with some key injuries. Slowik, a member of the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, has proven himself to be adept at crafting creative offensive schemes that maximize the strengths of his players, particularly his quarterback.
Slowik had five interviews in the last coaching cycle, including second-round interviews with the Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons, indicating that teams have taken notice of his potential. With his experience running a system that emphasizes a balanced, West Coast-style offense, he could be an ideal fit for the Saints, who have struggled to find offensive consistency. Slowik’s ability to work with young quarterbacks and his innovative playcalling could be just what New Orleans needs to get its offense back on track.
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