By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS — Staff departures are a common occurrence amid head coach changes in the NFL. As the New Orleans Saints focus their coaching search on Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, other assistants are headed elsewhere amid the uncertainty of their future in the Big Easy.
Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Seahawks are hiring both quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko and offensive line coach John Benton from the Saints’ staff. Meanwhile the Dallas Cowboys announced their hire of Saints running backs coach Derrik Foster.
Just over a week ago, former Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubaik took the same position with the Seattle Seahawks.
That makes Kubiak, Janocko, Benton and Foster all one-and-dones for New Orleans and opens up a lot of opportunity for change on both the offensive coaching staff.
Janocko did a solid job with the Saints, helping starting quarterback Derek Carr perform well when healthy enough to take the field. He also prepared two young passers, then-rookie Spencer Rattler and 2023 draft pick Jake Haener.
Benton deserves a ton of credit for his work with 2022 first rounder and offensive tackle Trevor Penning. The Northern Iowa lineman was nearing bust conversation when Benton arrived in New Orleans. He helped Penning translate his game to the opposite side of the field, flipping from left tackle to right, and he excelled in 2024.
Benton also helped 2024 rookie lineman Taliese Fuaga find immediate success as a plug-and-play starter at left tackle.
Foster helped to implement the Saints’ pursuit and acquisition of the wide zone run game, getting the career best run game out of running back Alvin Kamara despite his having to miss three games.
Whether Moore or otherwise, the new head coach in New Orleans will have a chance to assemble a staff of otherwise vacated positions. But hey, at least they don’t have to show up and be the bad guy that fires the whole staff first.
