As expected, the Denver Broncos are hiring former New Orleans Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi to Sean Payton’s staff as special teams coordinator, as first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Rizzi went 3-5 after taking over from Dennis Allen last season and earned a shot at the full-time head coaching job, but ultimately the Saints chose to go in a different direction.
So he’ll be reuniting with Payton and many former coworkers in Denver. Payton brought Rizzi to New Orleans in the first place after he parted ways with the Miami Dolphins, ending a long run as their own special teams coordinator. He’s one of the most widely respected coaches in the game’s third phase and should continue to be an influential presence around the NFL.
But who will replace him in New Orleans? The Saints may try and promote from within by tabbing Rizzi’s protege Phil Galiano, but Kellen Moore could have someone else in mind for that role. It’s another piece of the puzzle he’ll need to find as Moore continues to fill out his own staff.