The Saints could be eyeing some continuity as they look for a replacement for Sean Payton. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network (via Twitter), the Saints will interview special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi for their head coaching vacancy.
Following a long collegiate coaching career, Rizzi got his first NFL gig when he was hired as the Dolphins ST coordinator in 2010. He ended up spending nine seasons with Miami, eventually earning a promotion to associate head coach. After interviewing for the Dolphins head coaching vacancy in 2019, he ended up moving on to New Orleans. He’s spent the past three seasons with the Saints.
This isn’t the first member of Payton’s former staff to interview for the gig. We recently learned the defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will also be considered for the job.
Rizzi and Allen join a growing list of candidates that also includes:
- Brian Flores, former head coach (Dolphins): To interview 2/1
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): To interview 2/2
- Byron Leftwich, offensive coordinator (Buccaneers): Interview requested
- Doug Pederson, former head coach (Eagles): Interviewed 1/30
Who wants to coach a team where everyone needs to be cut or traded to get under the cap? -75m cap space.
It makes sense to hire someone from Payton’s staff – if you think Payton might return after taking a year or two off. Fix the cap mess, look for a new QB and pile up some better draft picks while you mark time.