While Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi have interviewed for the Saints head coaching vacancy, offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. hasn’t been mentioned as a potential candidate. Per ESPN’s Mike Triplett (via Twitter), Carmichael wasn’t snubbed for an interview. Rather, the OC declined the opportunity to interview for the gig.
Carmichael has been coaching in the NFL since 2000, including stints with the Browns, Chargers, and Washington. After having worked alongside Drew Brees in San Diego, Carmichael joined the QB in New Orleans in 2006, getting hired as the team’s quarterbacks coach. He eventually took on the role of passing game coach, and he was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2009.
The 50-year-old has served as the Saints OC since that time, with the coach often getting credit for the Saints’ high-flying offense. Considering the team’s success during Carmichael’s stint as OC, he certainly has the credentials and experience to earn a promotion to HC. His hiring would also provide the organization with some continuity. Alas, the veteran coach won’t look to replace Sean Payton in New Orleans.
With Doug Pederson now out of the picture for the Saints, the team is eyeing six candidates for their HC vacancy:
- Dennis Allen, defensive coordinator (Saints): Interviewed 2/3
- Eric Bieniemy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interview requested
- Brian Flores, former head coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 2/1
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 2/2
- Byron Leftwich, offensive coordinator (Buccaneers): Interview requested
- Darren Rizzi, special teams coordinator (Saints): To interview
This may be Bieniemy’s best shot, because no one else wants it, and for good reason.
It’s a terrible job.
Whoever comes in has to face a rebuild, find a QB, and build a with the leftovers still available.
He may have no choice since no one else has given him a shot, but whoever takes this job is in danger of a two-and-done situation.
In fact, I would want a promise of three years to take this job under normal circumstances.
They are not rebuilding. They have a great defense. Thomas is coming back from injury. It’s actually a great job.
While I agree the Saints should be able compete for a playoff spot, it’s really not that great of a position to be in if you’re an offensive coach. Until New Orleans can fix that receiving corps, they’re not going anywhere. Plus, you need to hope the offensive line stays healthy and players can be retained given the cap situation. I do think Winston has a lot of raw talent to work though
The D is getting long in the tooth at some positions and Thomas has barely played over the past two season. And no long-term QB.
4 years
“A refusal is not the act of a friend” / Don Barzini
No, it’s the Saint’s fault…They had all the politicians in their pocket and refused to share them with Carmichael.
Saints are likely the favorites to win the South with Brady retirement and BUCS expected mass free agent exodus. This is a good job, the Benson family will be patient. Whoever gets job is walking into a good situation even with the QB question and CAP headaches…
Laugher right there. It’s an NFL job with serious obstacles.
Dennis Allen getting interviewed tells you how far the team has fallen.
This is a bad job. Carmichael not wanting it confirms that. He knows the ins and outs of this organization much better than any fan. Saints NEED to rebuild, but they prob won’t. They’ll try to make it work, and hang out in nfl mediocrity for the next couple of years. Until the new coach gets fired.
Bad in what ways specifically? Personally I think everyone is thinking that Payton plans on returning in a year or two and doesn’t want to be seen as simply a placeholder. That being said, the Saints are on a downward path given their salary cap and qb situations and thus putting a winning team on the field is going to be a real challenge for the next couple of years, especially for someone who is also trying to learn the ins and outs of being a head coach.
1) EB born in New Orleans. Kind of cool. 2) Not a Saints fan but would like to them interview Bieniemy, Leftwich, Flores and Kellen Moore. 3) Would really like to see EB, BL or BF get the job.
I think we can eliminate Flores on general principles. I think he’ll be treated like the plague.
General principles? What does that mean?