Top Six Coaching Candidates to Revitalize the Saints After Dennis Allen’s Departure.

Saints owner Gayle Benson took necessary actions on Monday.

Following a humiliating defeat of 23-22 against the Panthers, New Orleans decided to terminate head coach Dennis Allen, whose stint as Saints head coach concluded with an 18-25 record and no playoff appearances.

What is the next step for the Saints? Here are six potential candidates that New Orleans should consider for its head coaching search.

Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator, and Aaron Glenn, the defensive coordinator, of the Lions.

The top priority on New Orleans’ wishlist should be Detroit’s coordinators.

Johnson has been highly sought after during the last two offseasons but has chosen to remain with the Lions. If Detroit wins the Super Bowl in February in New Orleans, Johnson could remain in the Big Easy as a hero and potentially leave the Lions as arguably the best team in football.

Detroit is at the top in scoring, averaging 32.3 points per game, and sits in seventh place in total offense with 369.6 yards per game.

The Lions rank fifth in terms of points allowed on defense, giving up an average of 18.5 points per game. Glenn, who previously coached defensive backs in New Orleans from 2016 to 2020, has helped Detroit rank third in allowing passing touchdowns (six) and second in interceptions (11) this season.

Joe Brady, the offensive coordinator for the Bills

Brady, who had connections to New Orleans, was a Saints offensive assistant from 2017-18, then transitioned to be LSU’s passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach for their 2019 national championship season.

After Ken Dorsey was fired in 2023, he became the full-time Bills offensive coordinator in 2024 after previously serving as interim offensive coordinator.

Buffalo ranks fifth in scoring with 28.9 points per game and has recorded six games scoring 30 points or more this season. Quarterback Josh Allen is experiencing a strong season, with a completion rate of 64.1%, gaining 2,001 yards (7.6 yards per attempt), and throwing 17 touchdowns along with two interceptions.

Offensive coordinator Frank Smith of the Dolphins

We have a final candidate who has a past affiliation with the Saints. Smith began his NFL career as the assistant offensive line coach for New Orleans from 2010-14, then transitioned to the Bears as the tight ends coach from 2015-17.

He has served as the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator since Mike McDaniel took over as head coach in 2022.

Selecting Smith to address a major weakness, the Saints’ offensive line, would be a smart decision. Many players, including ex-Saints Jermon Bushrod, Jahri Evans, Ben Grubbs, and Carl Nicks, as well as Chargers offensive lineman Rashawn Slater, whom he mentored during his rookie year in 2021, have achieved Pro Bowl recognition under Smith’s coaching.

Players in a profile from The Athletic last September talked about Smith’s skill in building connections with them. Former Raiders Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller, who was on Smith’s team in Oakland/Las Vegas from 2018-20, expressed to The Athletic, “Frank is the best coach I’ve ever had.” It simply revolved around assisting individuals in improving.

Waller said it’s a chance for him to receive positive karma and energy as he has always been a giver.

Jeff Hafley, the defensive coordinator for the Packers

Hafley, one of two coaches on this list who have been head coaches before, has revitalized the Green Bay defense. The Packers are ranked in the upper half of the league for both run and pass defense, despite giving up the 28th highest rushing yards in 2023.

Hafley stepped down as Boston College head coach in January 2024 to accept the position of Packers defensive coordinator. The Packers’ head coach, Matt LaFleur, recently stated to the Wisconsin State Journal that he believes the player has a good understanding of the game. He clearly possesses a strong knowledge of football.

Packers newcomer Evan Williams explained his admiration for Hafley during an interview with the State Journal.

Packers newcomer safety Evan Williams revealed his gratitude for Hafley, stating to the State Journal, “He’s played a significant role in helping me improve … One of the reasons he is successful is because he thoroughly explains the reason behind certain coverages or displays.

Williams added that having a coach who doesn’t view their players as mere pawns but as individuals makes a stronger connection.

Commanders’ offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

It could be argued that in 2024, no coordinator has boosted their value more than Kingsbury.

Kingsbury’s NFL career seemed to have come to an end when he was dismissed by the Cardinals after only one year of a six-year extension in January 2023.

However, he has performed exceptionally well for the Commanders (7-2), the most unexpected team in the league.

Washington ranks fourth in scoring offense with an average of 29.2 points per game, and thanks to Kingsbury’s system, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has been able to perform at a level comparable to an MVP.

As of Week 9, Daniels has completed 163 out of 223 passes (71.5%) for 1,945 yards (averaging 8.5 yards per attempt), with nine touchdowns and two interceptions, as well as gaining 459 yards and scoring four rushing touchdowns on 82 carries.

According to the Washington Post, being let go by the Cardinals seems to have had an impact on Kingsbury, as noted in a conversation with Commanders tight end Zach Ertz.

Ertz, who also worked with Kingsbury in Arizona, mentioned to the Washington Post that Kingsbury is feeling refreshed. You can feel his energy.

Although the Saints might not find it thrilling to hire a retread, Kingsbury could inject a new offensive strategy into the franchise, which has become stagnant.