Saints Risk Losing Out on Top Offensive Coordinator Candidate to Rival Falcons
Things just got a little more complicated for the New Orleans Saints and their offensive coordinator search. The team has interviewed 8 different candidates with only two having currently accepted positions elsewhere. Both scenarios were out of their hands. One, Shane Waldron, accepted the offensive coordinator spot with the Chicago Bears who have the first overall pick in the draft and therefore a fast track to USC quarterback Caleb Williams. The other, Dan Pitcher, stayed with the Cincinnati Bengals after their offensive coordinator was hired away.
Now, the Atlanta Falcons could add further complication to the matter. On Thursday, the Falcons hired their next head coach, Raheem Morris. The former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator has a good relationship with Rams Quarterbacks Coach and Passing Game Coordinator Zac Robinson. Robinson, who has been a top candidate around the league and should be high up on the Saints' list, is now considered a favorite to take the Falcons' offensive coordinator position.
Los Angeles Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Robinson during organized team activities.
May 23, 2022; Thousand Oaks, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Robinson during organized team activities at California Lutheran University. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Previously existing relationships go a long way in the league and this would be another example of exactly that. The Falcons will look at other candidates, but Robinson feels like a surefire hire already. In the meanwhile, there is not much at all the Saints can do about it. Much like the situations with Waldron and Pitcher, this is out of their control.
It would be unlikely for Robinson to accept any other offers until he knows what is happening with the Falcons role alongside Morris. This will not be able the time it took for New Orleans to make an offer, or land a candidate. This will completely come down to Robinson's decision.
If the former Rams staffer joins Morris in Atlanta, the Saints still have excellent options on their interview list. Houston Texans Quarterbacks Coach Jerrod Johnson and San Francisco 49ers Passing Game Coordinator Klint Kubiak are among the best available.
New Orleans can also now start adding new candidates to their list. Kellen Moore, the Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator has been given permission to seek other opportunities. Brian Johnson, offensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles, does not look likely to land a head coaching role at the moment. That means offensive coordinator positions will be his next step as he looks to land a new gig. Both could be solid options for the Saints' search.
