It’s been more than three weeks since the New Orleans Saints last played a football game, but the franchise is still shaking up its coaching staff.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported Wednesday that the Saints have parted ways with co-defensive coordinator Kris Richard. Richard also coached the team’s secondary.
That will clear the way for head coach Dennis Allen to hire a new coordinator to oversee the defense. Richard had split coordinator duties with Ryan Nielsen in 2022. Nielsen was hired last week by the Atlanta Falcons to be their defensive coordinator.
“The #Saints parted ways with co-defensive coordinator/secondary Kris Richard,” Pelissero tweeted. “New Orleans’ other co-DC, Ryan Nielsen, recently took the DC job in Atlanta. Significant changes on D.”
The Saints’ defense performed solidly last season. The unit ranked second in the NFL against the pass, fifth in total defense and ninth in scoring defense.
It was offensive struggles, and particularly inconsistent quarterback play, that led the team to finish the season 7-10.
However, Allen might have another candidate in mind to lead the defense. Allen will likely remain fairly involved with the unit, as well. He was the Saints’ defensive coordinator for seven seasons under Sean Payton prior to being promoted to head coach following Payton’s retirement.
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Publish Date:2023-02-02 08:16:56
