While many teams are in the middle of hiring new coaches, one team that was long ago eliminated from the playoffs decided to fire one coach today.
According to NFL insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, the New Orleans Saints have parted ways with co-defensive coordinator Kris Richard. The move comes days after their other co-defensive coordinator, Ryan Nielsen, left to take the full job with the Atlanta Falcons.
Kris Richard rose to prominence as the defensive backs coach of the Seattle Seahawks during their Legion of Boom era. He parlayed that into the role of defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys from 2018 to 2019 and was hired by the Saints in 2021.
The Saints defense was actually rather stout in 2022 all things considered. Despite going 7-10 they had the No. 9 scoring defense and were fifth in yards allowed. Only one team allowed fewer passing yards.
The decision now leaves the Saints without both of the architects of the defense. They are now one of only five teams without a defensive coordinator heading into the offseason.
Replacement pickings are going to be slim as other teams scramble to assemble their new coaching staffs. Top defensive coordinators throughout the league are taking on head coaching jobs and bringing their staff members with them.
There’s a good chance that whoever the Saints pick to replace Kris Richard will be a downgrade from what they already had.
Will the Saints defense regress in 2023?