The New Orleans Saints face a pivotal offseason decision in hiring their next head coach, a choice that will shape the team’s trajectory for years to come. After another disappointing season under Dennis Allen, the organization is at a crossroads, with fans and analysts alike calling for a fresh direction.
Here are the main schools of thought and potential paths the Saints should consider as they move forward.
1. A No-Nonsense Leader
Ideal Candidate: Aaron Glenn (Defensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions)
Aaron Glenn is emerging as a frontrunner for many, not just for his tactical acumen but also for his no-nonsense approach to coaching. Known for his ability to maximize his players’ potential, Glenn has transformed Detroit’s defense into a force to be reckoned with. He also holds a deep connection to New Orleans, having played for the Saints and served as their secondary coach.
Additionally, Glenn’s hiring would make history as the Saints’ first minority head coach in 58 seasons, a long-overdue milestone that could usher in a new era of cultural transformation for the franchise.
2. Break Away From the “Comfortable Hire”
Avoid Lazy Decisions:
There’s concern among fans that Mickey Loomis and ownership might default to familiarity by hiring someone already embedded in the Saints’ ecosystem. While Aaron Glenn fits the mold of someone the Saints know, many feel that simply rehiring someone comfortable, like Dennis Allen was, would be a mistake.
Target a Rising Star:
The Saints should prioritize a younger coordinator with innovative ideas—someone who can oversee a strong staff, delegate effectively, and reshape the culture. For instance:
- Ben Johnson (Offensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions): Johnson’s dynamic offensive schemes have made Detroit a high-powered unit. He could inject creativity and much-needed spark into New Orleans’ stagnant offense.
- Mike McDaniel (Head Coach, Miami Dolphins): While unlikely, a leader with McDaniel’s approach—youthful and cerebral—should serve as inspiration.
3. Culture Reset and Accountability
The Saints’ issues run deeper than Xs and Os. From lapses in discipline to the lack of identity, New Orleans needs a cultural reset. The next coach must instill accountability, demand excellence, and restore the competitive edge that defined the team in its glory days under Sean Payton.
Best Fit for Culture Change:
- Mike Vrabel (Head Coach, Tennessee Titans): Known for his toughness and no-nonsense approach, Vrabel could realign the Saints’ focus on physicality and execution. However, it’s unclear if he’s even on the market.
- Vance Joseph (Defensive Coordinator, Denver Broncos): Joseph brings experience as a former head coach and could excel in reshaping the defense and locker room dynamic.
4. Build a Sustainable Future
Regardless of the hire, the Saints must embrace a long-term rebuild. The team’s current state—caught between trying to compete and needing a reset—has yielded underwhelming results. The new coach must focus on:
- Youth Development: Invest in young players who can form a new core.
- Draft Strategy: Use 2025 as a foundational year to build for the future, likely with a rookie quarterback at the helm.
- Defensive Overhaul: The defense needs a complete retooling, even though it showed flashes of its old self under Allen.
What Needs to Happen Now
To ensure this hire is successful, the Saints must:
- Be Thorough: Explore candidates outside of their comfort zone. Interview offensive and defensive minds alike and focus on leadership qualities.
- Align on Vision: Ownership and the front office must agree on whether this team is rebuilding or reloading.
- Empower the New Coach: Allow the hire to bring in their own staff, avoiding top-down meddling that has derailed teams in the past.
Final Thoughts
The Saints need more than just a good play-caller—they need a leader. Someone capable of transforming a fractured culture, developing young talent, and creating a long-term vision. Whether that’s Aaron Glenn, Ben Johnson, or another fresh face, this hire represents a turning point for a franchise in desperate need of revitalization.
What’s at stake isn’t just wins and losses but the identity of the New Orleans Saints. The next head coach will determine whether they fade further into irrelevance or return to prominence in the NFC.
