Sep 17, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, secondary coach Aaron Glenn and head coach Sean Payton in the second half against the New England Patriots at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Patriots won 36-20. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
One of the main factors in the New Orleans Saints turnaround over the last two seasons is their coaching staff. After the 2016 season, the front office got rid off five of Sean Payton’s assistants after the team had posted three consecutive 7-9 seasons. The following year the team won the NFC South title and advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs. Those accolades were due to Sean Payton being surrounded by the efficient coaching staff. Today Saints Discussions list four Saints assistants that may become head coaches in the future.
Dennis Allen: Defensive Coordinator
Dennis Allen took the job over after Rob Ryan was fired in the middle of the 2015 season. He had his challenges in the beginning, but after two solid draft classes along with substantial acquisitions through free agency, the team has excelled on defense. Dennis Allen is one of three assistants that has head coaching experience in the National Football League.
If the Saints defense has another successful performance this season, do not be surprised if Dennis Allen is roaming the sidelines as a head coach in 2020. Hopefully, he will find the right quarterback the second time around.
Mike Nolan: Linebackers Coach
Outside of the secondary, the Saints linebackers were one of the weakest spots on a historically bad defense. When Mike Nolan was hired in 2017, the position experienced a 180-degree turnaround. Under Nolan’s guidance, the linebackers have influential leaders such as Demario Davis, A.J. Klein and a potential superstar in Alex Anzalone. There will be some potential suitors in the league that would love to have Mike Nolan as their new head coach.
Dan Campbell: Assistant Coach/Tight Ends
Who remembers when the Miami Dolphins fired Joe Philbin in the middle of the 2015 season, and the team scored a total of 82 points in the next two ball games? The man behind the Dolphins scoring surge was Dan Campbell who was hired to become the team’s interim coach after Philbin was fired.
The Dolphins success did not last in 2015 under Dan Campbell, but he was able to get head coaching experience under his belt. He joined Sean Payton’s staff in 2016 when he became the Saints tight ends coach. So far under Campbell’s watch, the tight end position has done an excellent job within the Saints offense. Dan Campbell will be considered for head coaching jobs due to his time under the guidance of Sean Payton.
Pete Carmichael: Offensive Coordinator
Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael is one of the few assistants that remain on Sean Payton’s coaching staff from the 2009 Super Bowl campaign. His name came up for numerous head coaching jobs last season, and you can expect that trend to continue after the 2019 campaign concludes. Pete Carmichael has a wealth of knowledge that other NFL franchises would love to have in their building right now.
However, teams may question whether Carmichael is suited to become a head coach or is he just an offensive coordinator at best. Either way, Pete Carmichael’s name will be on the radar of many general managers once the season is over. These four individuals are the Saints assistants that may become head coaches in the future.
