The New Orleans Saints are starting to make big moves when it comes to replenishing the coaching ranks. So far, they’ve hit on a few good ones and it’s really showing that this organization only has one more chance with head coach Sean Payton and star quarterback Drew Brees leading this squad.
With the recent hirings, let’s take a look at the new faces and what it could mean for the Saints in 2017.
Linebackers Coach: Mike Nolan
Nolan has had tons of experience in the NFL, especially as defensive coordinator. He even has experience with the Saints biggest rival in the Atlanta Falcons. While this is a good thing at first glance, he hasn’t been part of the team since the arrival of current head coach Dan Quinn.
Having all that experience as the linebackers coach is going to help build this position up after a bad season by the likes of Stephone Anthony and James Laurinaitis. It also could help Dennis Allen put some extra spices into the proverbial gumbo of his defensive schemes. The defense made some strides in 2016, and if Nolan can get a good weapon in free agency it’s a very good thing.
Grade: B+
Special Team Coach: Bradford Banta
The Saints have been one step away from becoming great in that third phase. The special teams group has gone through kickers like I go through shoes and they may have found one that could be around for a while in Wil Lutz. His rookie season was marred by having low kicks and a blocked extra point that cost them against the Denver Broncos, but his ability to kick from long distances is a big positive. Give him some time with Banta to get some elevation on his kicks and we could be talking about a strong special teams corps.
There’s not a whole lot else out there about him, but Greg McMahon is someone who needed to go away some time ago.
Grade: C+
Wide Receivers: Curtis Johnson
This one seems like a retread as he was part of the Saints coaching staff since Payton before moving over to Tulane to take the position of head coach. However, what Johnson has done with the wideouts in the past could be amazing with the corps he has right now. Look back to some of the receivers that Johnson had a hand in developing: Marques Colston, Lance Moore, and Devery Henderson. The talent right now wearing the black and gold looks great with Michael Thomas, Willie Snead, and Brandin Cooks and could pay off dividends for the Saints in 2017.
Grade: A-
Overall Thoughts:
There’s still a couple of positions on Payton’s coaching staff that still need to be filled, but one thing appears to be clear. 2017 is going to be a do or die season based off of these three hires. The firing of five coaches a few weeks ago was like remodeling an entire floor on a skyscraper. It’s making it look better and that’s what the Saints need to do if they want to avoid hitting the proverbial reset button after the season is over.
-Clint Domingue