(Picture courtesy of @Bengals on X)
By Ross Jackson
Another coaching staff member from the New Orleans Saints is making a lateral move to a different franchise. After offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak left to take the same role with the Seattle Seahawks, linebackers coach Michael Hodges is also set to depart.
Per the Cincinnati Bengals’ social media accounts, Hodges is headed up north to assume the linebackers coach role under new Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden.
Hodges joined the Saints as a defensive assistant in 2017, was promoted to assistant linebackers coach by 2019, and assumed the position’s top coaching role one year later. He has been on a noticeable rise since beginning his NFL coaching career in New Orleans, receiving multiple interviews in previous years for open defensive coordinator positions.
Now, he’ll get his first chance at the pro level to coach linebackers while not in former Saints coach Dennis Allen’s system.
Over his seasons with the Saints, Hodges helped to develop talented linebackers such as Kaden Elliss and Zack Baun. Both, unfortunately, did not have the roles that showcased their talent in Allen’s system. Hodges also developed the talents of linebackers such as Nephi Sewell, Anfernee Orji, and others while working with a key veteran talent like Demario Davis.
The Bengals’ linebacker room has obtained some notable talent in players Logan Wilson and Akeem Davis-Gaither, but new personnel could be on the way with a new leadership.
The Saints have no outgoing free agent linebackers set to hit the market that could opt to follow Hodges to Cincinnati. However, if any cuts are made, that could certainly change things. Sewell is an exclusive right free agent who will not be able to negotiate with other teams.
New Orleans was already expected to see a lot of turnover on the defensive coaching staff as a new defensive coordinator will soon be leading the unit. With new leadership at every top spot on the staff, assistant positions are likely to see turnover.
