The Sean Payton trade to the Denver Broncos appears to have cost the Saints at least one more coach.
Assistant OL coach Zach Strief has agreed to become the Broncos new OL coach on Payton's staff in Denver, according to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
It's the first notably departure for the purposes of joining Payton's new staff, and the news comes less than a week after the bombshell trade that will bring the former Saints coach back the NFL. The Saints landed the No. 29 overall pick in the deal, along with the 2024 2nd rounder in exchange for the Saints' 2024 3rd rounder.
The departure isn't particularly surprising. Payton was Strief's head coach for the entirety of his 12-year-career in New Orleans after being selected in the 7th round of the 2006 draft, 42 picks before WR Marques Colston in what's arguably the greatest duo of 7th-round picks anywhere. Strief was a member of the Saints' Super Bowl XLIV winning squad and retired in 2017. He spent two seasons as the Voice of the Saints for WWL Radio alongside Deuce McAllister, but was hired to Payton's staff in his assistant role prior to the 2021 season. Strief was retained as a member of Dennis Allen's new staff in the 2022 season under OL coach Doug Marrone.
Strief worked most closely with the young offensive linemen on the roster, including guard Cesar Ruiz who made a notable jump in Year 3. He also worked closely with first-round rookie Trevor Penning, who only managed to appear in a handful of games due to injury.
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The method of departure for Strief is also notable. Clubs can block lateral moves for coaches under contract, something Saints GM Mickey Loomis said they would likely do if it came down to it. But that is not an option when it comes to promotions, as would be the case with Strief. It was the same caveat that left the Saints without the ability to block Ryan Nielsen taking the defensive coordinator job earlier this month. They also opted to part ways with co-DC and secondary coach Kris Richard, and had previously let go TE coach and run game coordinator Dan Roushar.
The hirings have already begun, however, with assistant OL coach now added to the list. The Saints have reportedly reached an aggreement with longtime NFL and SEC coach Todd Grantham to serve in an assistant role, though it's unclear what his focus will be. The defensive line would likely make the most sense, considering his background at that position. The team also reportedly plans to hire former Browns DC Joe Woods in that same position.
Where the Saints look to find a replacement at assistant OL coach remains to be seen. One option could be Jahri Evans. He, like Strief, was a member of the 2006 draft class and the Saints' Super Bowl squad and spent this past season as a coaching intern, assisting with the OL group. He received high marks from coaches and players.
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