Saints’ offseason not marred by leadership, quarterback change

By Ross Jackson

For the first time since the 2019 regular season, the New Orleans Saints will enter the offseason without a head coach search, play caller change or lingering quarterback questions.

Following the 2020 season and the retirement of future Hall of Fame passer Drew Brees, the Saints have been met with some level of leadership or quarterback change every year. Even before Brees’s final year, the offseason retirement watch was in full effect.

This time, the Saints aren’t likely to see major changes, though some staff shifts may be on the way. The team’s special teams units and run game underperformed expectations, meaning changes or additions could be on the way in either area. 

But without a shift on the way at head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator or quarterback, this could be one of the most focused and laid back (until it isn’t) off seasons the Saints have experienced in some time.

A quick look around the division reveals that New Orleans is in a unique position. Not enough is known about the Carolina Panthers and how ownership may respond to an early playoff exit, but the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on their way to some big adjustments.

Atlanta is in the process of considering a long list of potential replacements for fired head coach Raheem Morris including Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and former Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. The Falcons have also recently adjusted the contract of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins while doubling down on 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr.

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers are in search of a new offensive coordinator, special teams coordinator, quarterbacks coach and more.

Tampa’s cleaning house did not include moving on from head coach Todd Bowles. However, the turnover on the offensive coaching staff both generates intrigue and takes up resources for the club.

The Saints, with head coach Kellen Moore, defensive coordinator Brandon Staley and quarterback Tyler Shough all firmly in position going into 2026, will be able to focus their efforts instead of improving areas in need of attention and continuing to add talent to the roster.

For the first time in several off seasons, the Saints’ biggest questions appear to be answered. Now, the club will need to take advantage of the opportunity ahead of them and invest in ways to elevate the success they’ve begun to realize.