By Ross Jackson
After a quiet week in the news cycle, the New Orleans Saints coaching search is finally picking up steam again.
According to NFL on CBS insider Jonathan Jones, New Orleans will hold a pair of interviews on Friday, both with top candidates for the ongoing head coaching search.
The Saints will interview interim head coach and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi in person Friday. Rizzi is still employed by the team, so his interview can be in-person at the Saints facility. Rizzi did an excellent job with the hand he was dealt as he took over after the Week Nine dismissal of former coach Dennis Allen.
After becoming the interim, Rizzi immediately made changes to the depth chart, locker room, player schedule, practice schedule, and coaching staff. He was also the sitting head coach when the team traded star cornerback Marshon Lattimore to the Washington Commanders. The team was looking for change and Rizzi helped to usher in some major shifts.
However, he can accomplish more by taking over a team during the offseason rather than midway through a season. Rizzi was considered for the head coach role when Allen was ultimately hired in 2022. Now, the special teams specialist has in-game sideline experience, which could aid him in his search to become a full-time head coach.
Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady will also be interviewed by the team on Friday. His Bills are still amidst their playoff run, meaning he is only allowed to interview virtually, per the NFL rules.
Brady was an early favorite for some sports books to become the Saints’ next head coach and there is a lot of reason for him to still be a favorite. His work with the Bills offense has been impressive, revitalizing the run game and bolstering quarterback Josh Allen’s play without a big-name wide receiver on the roster. His growth has been impressive.
New Orleans is also expected to interview Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore before the divisional weekend of the playoffs concludes. His Eagles don’t host the Los Angeles Rams until Sunday, so Saturday is a viable timeline for Moore.
