The changes keep on coming for the New Orleans Saints coaching staff.
The latest comes with the Saints and co-defensive coordinator Kris Richard opting to "part ways," according to a report from the NFL Network.
It's the latest move that means a member of the 2022 coaching staff will soon be landing somewhere else, but it also might be the most surprising. Richard was the Saints' co-DC and secondary coach last season alongside fellow co-DC and defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen. But Nielsen is now a member of the Atlanta Falcons coaching staff after signing on to replace the retired Dean Pees as defensive coordinator.
Richard would've appeared to be in line for a step up in role on Dennis Allen's second-year staff, but that will no longer be the case. Richard was targeted for interviews by both the Panthers and Dolphins, with the latter opting to hire Vic Fangio in the DC role on Mike McDaniels' staff. The Panthers hired Frank Reich as their head coach, and it's unclear whether Richard is still in the running for that role.
Richard had been a member of the Saints staff since taking over as the secondary coach in the 2021 season, and was elevated into the co-DC role after Allen was elevated to head coach.
One option that could exist for Richard would be to potentially join his former boss Sean Payton out in Denver, where the former Saints head coach is now in that role after New Orleans agreed to trade compensation with the Broncos. The Saints also parted ways with tight ends coach and run game coordinator Dan Roushar early this offseason.
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The rest of the offensive staff has thus far remained intact, with the team reportedly planning to retain longtime offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael in that role heading into 2023. There is some uncertainty as it pertains to quarterbacks coach and pass game coordinator Ronald Curry, who completed an interview with the Bucs on Tuesday for their offensive coordinator vacancy.
While it's unclear what's next for Richard, the decision leaves the Saints in an uncertain situation going forward. Could key free agents depart to join their former coaches? Will the Saints hire a full defensive coordinator along with DL and secondary coaches? Will members of the current staff get elevated into more prominent roles?
The defense, unsurprisingly, was the strength of the Saints over the second half of a 7-10 season that left much to be desired in the first real of Allen's head coaching era. The former DC retains a large chunk of control over the defense and still calls the defensive plays on gamedays.
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Check back for updates.