A Look Back at Pete Carmichael's Accomplishments With the New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints parted ways with offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael on Tuesday. It was a move that was both expected and needed. New Orleans also terminated the contracts of WR coach Kodi Burns and senior offensive assistant Bob Bicknell, with more moves expected.
The Saints ranked ninth in points scored and 14th in total yardage during the 2023 season. They were 11th in passing production, but only 21st in rushing yardage, while ranking 15th on third downs and 18th in red zone efficiency.
Carmichael, 52, has been with the organization for 18 years. After four years as an offensive assistant with the San Diego Chargers, Carmichael was hired as part of Sean Payton's first staff with New Orleans in 2006. After serving three seasons as QB Coach, Carmichael was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2009 following the departure of Doug Marrone. The Saints won Super Bowl XLIV that season, ranking first in both points scored and total offense in the process.
Carmichael's 15 seasons as coordinator is the longest in NFL history on either the offensive or defensive side. Under his tenure, the Saints held a top-5 ranking in points scored, total yards, and passing production nine times between 2008 and 2020. He helped oversee an offense that was one of the best in NFL history in 2011.
Sean Payton was the primary architect and play-caller behind the attack, which was led by legendary future Hall of Fame QB Drew Brees. However, Carmichael was instrumental in putting together weekly game plans and helped to make in-game adjustments.
Oct 30, 2016; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9), right, talks to head coach Sean Payton, left, and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael against the Seattle Seahawks. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY
When Payton stepped away from the team after the 2021 campaign, Carmichael was given chief control of the offense under new head coach Dennis Allen. With Brees having retired after the 2020 season, the position quickly became a big issue for New Orleans. Injuries and ineffective play have forced the Saints to start six different quarterbacks in the 51 games since Brees retired.
Injuries have also plagued the Saints at wide receiver and offensive line during the two years with Carmichael as the chief play-caller. However, the attack had also become stale. Unimaginative game plans and play-calling, misuse of the unit's top players, and absolute inability to adjust to opposing defenses led to red zone woes and major issues in putting points on the board or even maintaining possession of the ball.
Yes, the players are certainly responsible for their self-inflicted miscues and poor play. However, it also became clear that coaching was a major issue. A change needed to be made. Not just with Carmichael, but the entire staff. Even the improved play of the offense down the stretch of this season wasn't enough to save jobs.
Two years of a struggling offense shouldn't tarnish Pete Carmichael's accomplishments with the New Orleans Saints. Brees and Payton were clearly the keys to success, but Carmichael still helped orchestrate one of the best offenses in the history of football. It's enough that should land Carmichael a rightful place in the Saints Hall of Fame.
