The New Orleans Saints’ 2024 campaign was nothing short of disastrous. After finishing at the bottom of the NFC South with a 5-12 record, the franchise missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year, marking a sobering chapter for a team that once dominated its division.
With head coach Dennis Allen dismissed midseason and interim head coach Darren Rizzi unable to turn things around, the Saints are searching for a leader who can reverse their fortunes and restore the winning culture in New Orleans.
Should the Saints Consider One of their Former Coaches?
As speculation about the Saints head coaching vacancy heats up, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero dropped an intriguing name on The Rich Eisen Show — Aaron Glenn. Glenn, currently the Detroit Lions’ defensive coordinator, has deep ties to New Orleans, making him a compelling figure to watch.
“Aaron Glenn loves that city,” Pelissero shared. “He still has relationships with some of the older players on that roster, he knows that building, he’s worked with Mickey Loomis.”
NFL Network’s @TomPelissero talks about the Saints HC opening on the @RichEisenShow. He says to keep an eye on Aaron Glenn.
“Aaron Glenn loves that city, he still has relationships with some of the older players on that roster, he knows that building, he’s worked with Mickey… pic.twitter.com/EsYjJY0K45
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) January 17, 2025
The idea of Glenn returning to New Orleans isn’t far-fetched. A former Saints defensive backs coach (2016-2020), Glenn built a reputation as a strong leader and communicator during his time with the franchise. His familiarity with general manager Mickey Loomis and the Saints’ organizational structure gives him an edge as the team seeks a coach who can navigate a difficult rebuild.
Darren Rizzi: The Interim Option
While Glenn’s name adds intrigue to the mix, Rizzi is another candidate worth considering. He was the Saints’ special-teams coordinator since 2019 and stepped in as interim head coach after Allen was fired on Nov. 4. Despite inheriting a struggling roster and a tough schedule, Rizzi managed to lead the team to a 3-5 record over the final eight games of the season.
The Saints reportedly completed an in-person interview with Rizzi for full-time head coach, signaling that the organization values his leadership and familiarity with the current roster.
The Road Ahead
The Saints’ head-coach search is critical for a franchise desperate to turn the page on its recent struggles. With a talented yet underperforming roster, the team needs a leader who can maximize its potential while instilling a fresh culture.
Regardless of who gets the job, the next head coach will inherit significant challenges. From addressing quarterback inconsistency to revamping an aging defense, the Saints’ new leader must hit the ground running to end the franchise’s playoff drought.
As the Saints continue their search, one thing is clear: This hire isn’t just about finding a coach — it’s about reigniting a team and a fanbase that has endured years of frustration. Whether it’s a fresh face like Glenn or a familiar one like Rizzi, the decision will shape the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.
