Six coaches who should be on the Saints’ radar

Where do the Saints go from here? These are six candidates who should be on New Orleans’ radar as it begins its head coaching search.

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson/defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn

Detroit’s coordinators should be at the top of New Orleans’ wish list.

Johnson has been one of the hottest commodities the past two offseasons but has declined to leave the Lions. But as arguably the best team in football, if Detroit wins the Super Bowl in New Orleans in February, Johnson could leave the Lions as a hero while staying in the Big Easy after the big game.

Detroit ranks first in scoring (32.3 points per game) and seventh in total offense (369.6 yards per game).

The Lions are also fifth in scoring defense (18.5 points per game). Glenn was New Orleans’ former defensive backs coach (2016-20), and Detroit ranks third in passing touchdowns allowed (six) and second in interceptions (11) this year.

Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady

Another coach with ties to New Orleans, Brady was a Saints offensive assistant from 2017-18 before becoming LSU’s passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach during its 2019 national championship season.

He was promoted to full-time Bills offensive coordinator in 2024 after serving as interim offensive coordinator following Ken Dorsey’s firing in 2023.

Buffalo is fifth in scoring (28.9) and has six games with at least 30 points this season. Quarterback Josh Allen is having one of his best seasons, completing 64.1% of his pass attempts for 2,001 yards (7.6 yards per attempt), 17 touchdowns and two interceptions.

Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith

We have one last candidate with a previous Saints connection. Smith started in the NFL as New Orleans’ assistant offensive line coach from 2010-14 before joining the Bears as tight ends coach (2015-17). 

He’s been the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator since Mike McDaniel became head coach in 2022.

Smith would be an inspired choice to fix one of the Saints’ biggest issues: their offensive line. Multiple players have earned Pro Bowl berths with Smith as a coach, including former Saints Jermon Bushrod, Jahri Evans, Ben Grubbs and Carl Nicks and Chargers offensive lineman Rashawn Slater, whom he coached as a rookie in 2021.

In a profile from The Athletic last September, players discussed Smith’s ability to forge relationships with them. Former Raiders Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller, who played under Smith from 2018-20 in Oakland/Las Vegas, told The Athletic, “Frank is my favorite coach I’ve ever had. It was really just about helping people be better.

Waller added, “I feel like this is an opportunity for him to have all the good karma and good energy to come back his way because all he’s ever done is give it out.”

Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley

One of two coaches with prior head coaching experience on this list, Hafley has quickly energized the Green Bay defense. The Packers rank in the league’s top half against the run and pass after allowing the 28th-most rushing yards in 2023.

Hafley resigned as Boston College head coach in January 2024 to take the Packers defensive coordinator job. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur recently told the Wisconsin State Journal, “I think he sees the game the right way. He obviously has a great understanding of football.”

Packers rookie safety Evan Williams shared why he appreciates Hafley, telling the State Journal, “He’s been huge in my development … I think one of the reasons he’s so successful … is he really explains why we’re calling these coverages or why we’re showing something.”

Williams continued, “At least for me, it clicks a little deeper when you have a coach that doesn’t just see their players as chess pieces that they’re moving around.”

Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury

Arguably, no coordinator has improved his stock more than Kingsbury in 2024. 

After being fired by the Cardinals one year into a six-year extension in January 2023, Kingsbury’s time in the NFL appeared to be over.

But he’s been great for the Commanders (7-2), the league’s most surprising team.

Washington is fourth in scoring offense (29.2 points per game), and Kingsbury’s scheme has allowed rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to play at an MVP level.

Through Week 9, Daniels is 163-of-223 (71.5%) passing for 1,945 yards (8.5 yards per attempt), nine touchdowns and two interceptions while adding 459 yards and four rushing touchdowns on 82 carries.

Being fired by the Cardinals appears to have changed Kingsbury, per the Washington Post, which spoke with Commanders tight end Zach Ertz.

Ertz also played under Kingsbury in Arizona and told the Washington Post, “He’s rejuvenated. His energy is palpable.”

While going with a retread wouldn’t be the most exciting path for the Saints, Kingsbury could bring a fresh offensive approach to a franchise that’s grown stale.