The New Orleans Saints won't be tipping their hand any earlier than they have to in the search for the next offensive coordinator, but there's no denying the pressure to get things right.
The Saints opted to move on from Pete Carmichael, making the 2023 offseason the first in nearly two decades where the offense is getting a true facelift. GM Mickey Loomis compared the process to what was undertaken in the past at defensive coordinator on Sean Payton's staff, the most recent of which landed now-head coach Dennis Allen in that role.
“I think we have a set of criteria that a lot of different guys can fill," Loomis said in his end-of-season press conference. "We’re just kind of going through that process now, so I think I’ll leave it at that.”
That process will almost certainly look at internal candidates, such as quarterbacks coach Ronald Curry, who has surfaced in other teams' OC searches over the past several years. There have also been a trio of names reportedly requested by the Saints' for interviews, with a clear theme emerging:
- Dan Pitcher, Bengals QBs coach
- Zac Robinson, Rams QB coach & pass game coordinator
- Shane Waldron, Seahawks OC
All three coaches have ties to Sean McVay, a noted offensive wizard whose motion and misdirection heavy schemes ran the Saints defense ragged in Week 16 and have been widely acclaimed for several years around the NFL. As the Saints offense improved late in the season, the increased usage of play action, in particular, stood out.
Robinson, of course, is a current Rams staffer, so that connection is clear.
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Pitcher's connection is more indirect as he comes from the Zac Taylor tree, but prior to landing the head coach job with the Bengals, Taylor served as the quarterbacks coach on McVay's staff.
The Saints also have been linked to embattled former NFL coach Jon Gruden, though Loomis would not address the situation directly, and there has yet to be any clear indication that he'll be interviewed for the opening. Gruden is currently suing the NFL relative to his exit as Raiders head coach in 2021 following an email scandal.
At the end of the day the Saints will take their time, Loomis said, as their process is something the team views as an organizational strength. The Saints will also have staffing openings at WR and RB coach, with the team moving on from Kodi Burns and Joel Thomas taking the same job with the Giants. The GM was mum on whether more moves could be coming down the road, or if the new OC's input would be leaned on in making them.
“I think one of the mistakes that our league in general makes is we’re in a rush or a race to hire people because we’re afraid of someone else beating us to the draw," Loomis said. "I think that’s a mistake. I think the most important thing is the right guy in the right situation, take your time, make sure it’s a thoughtful, planned decision. So we’re gonna go through the process and we’re gonna make the right hire. We’re not going to make the expedient hire.”
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One final part of the equation will be quarterback Derek Carr, with the Saints tied to the veteran signal-caller for the foreseeable future. Carr's first season in New Orleans got off to a rocky and injury-riddled start, but his close to the season showed signs for optimism, albeit not enough to save Carmichael's job. Loomis made it clear that Carr's input wouldn't be courted to determine candidates, but the ability to work with the quarterback and his skillset will ultimately be a clear factor in the hire.
“When we make a hire, when Dennis makes a hire, certainly he’s going to make the hire that’ll work for [Carr], but that’ll be our assessment," Loomis said.