Some changes are expected on the New Orleans Saints’ coaching staff this offseason, after a third consecutive campaign in which the team fell short of reaching the playoffs.
Coach Dennis Allen admitted “there are things that will have to be different” in regards to the Saints’ coaching staff during his end-of-season press conference on Monday, and it seems that ex-NFL head coach Jon Gruden is reportedly one coach the team is considering bringing on board, sources tell Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com.
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Gruden reportedly visited with Saints officials when the team played against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17, per Duncan, whose sources state that Gruden attended a team meeting and dined with members of the franchise, including general manager Mickey Loomis.
The 60-year-old last coached in 2021 with the Las Vegas Raiders. He resigned after five games of the ’21 campaign due to a controversy pertaining to previous emails which contained the use of racist, homophobic and misogynistic terms.
Gruden has a strong relationship with quarterback Derek Carr, who he coached on the Raiders from 2018-21. He’d have the chance to work alongside Carr once again in New Orleans, as the quarterback remains under contract for two more seasons.
Allen addressed his own future in New Orleans after Sunday’s loss, saying that it’s his expectation that he’ll remain as the team’s head coach. Allen just wrapped up his second season with the Saints and has a 16–18 record without a playoff appearance.
