METAIRIE, La. — The New Orleans SaintsSources confirmed that Pete Carmichael Jr., the long-serving offensive coordinator, will be retained by Dennis Allen as head coach.
NFL Network reported the first news.
The Saints were open to considering external candidates, including reports of interviews with former team members WashingtonJay Gruden is the current head coach Indianapolis ColtsScottie Montgomery is the running backs coach. They ultimately chose to stay with Carmichael who has been with them since 2006, when he was first hired by Sean Payton.
Carmichael (50) was promoted to offensive coordinator and called plays in 2011, 2012, and 2016. He helped to develop the Saints’ explosive offense along with quarterback Drew Brees (who he also coached in the early days of Brees’ career at the San Diego Chargers).
The Saints are yet to make an announcement about their selection for Allen’s replacement as defensive coordinator. The Saints are looking for a defensive line coach/assistant coach Ryan Nielsen and a secondary coach Kris Richard. However, they have also considered candidates from the outside. Los Angeles ChargersMichael Wilhoite, linebackers coach Detroit LionsAubrey Pleasant, defensive backs coach/passing games coordinator.
Both Allen and Mickey Loomis, the Saints general manager, made it clear after Payton left coaching that they didn’t want to overhaul a team with an NFL-best regular season record of 5-0 over the past five years. Allen stated that he does not see the offense being run in a way that is too different from what he has done in the past, with the exception of possible tweaks.
“I think that’s one of the best things about this job. It wasn’t a job that was broken. Allen stated that this job has a winning culture and foundation that’s been established. However, he said that he wanted to add his own spin to things. “I want the lessons I’ve learned to help me build on those lessons, and to leave my mark here with the New Orleans Saints.”
However, the Saints need to find ways for a revived offense. It finished 28th in NFL total yards and 28th in passing yards. This can be attributed in large part to an avalanche of injuries to its quarterback. Jameis Winston, All-Pro receiver Michael ThomasAll-Pro offensive tackles Terron Armstead Ryan Ramczyk.
They are already making changes to their offensive coaching team, including the hiring of former coach. Buffalo Bills Jacksonville JaguarsDoug Marrone is their offensive line coach. Marrone was previously a member of Payton’s original team and served as New Orleans’ offensive coordinator as well as offensive line coach.
New Orleans will need to pick the right quarterback for this offseason. Allen acknowledged that it is “the most important decision you can make.”
Winston is a strong candidate for the role, but he is still an unsigned free agent. The Saints could potentially trade for an elite quarterback despite their salary cap constraints.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano contributed this report.