The New Orleans Saints are deep into their search for a new head coach, and one of the prominent candidates is Darren Rizzi. After years serving as the team’s special teams coordinator, Darren Rizzi stepped into the interim head coach role for eight games following Dennis Allen’s dismissal. Despite the team’s 3-5 record under his leadership, Rizzi demonstrated commendable leadership qualities that have made him a strong contender for the position.
As fans and analysts await the Saints’ decision, there’s a growing sentiment that Rizzi’s presence on the coaching staff would be valuable, even if he doesn’t land the head coaching job. However, retaining him might not be a realistic scenario. Rizzi is reportedly exploring other opportunities, including head coaching roles and special teams coordinator positions elsewhere.
One such opportunity has emerged with the Denver Broncos, who recently parted ways with their special teams coach, Ben Kotwica. Given Rizzi’s connection to Broncos head coach Sean Payton, his name has immediately surfaced as a strong candidate for the role.
Rizzi joined the Saints in 2019 as their special teams coordinator when Sean Payton was still the head coach. The two worked together for three seasons before Payton’s temporary retirement. While Rizzi stayed in New Orleans, Payton eventually made his way to Denver. Over his two years with the Broncos, Payton has already brought multiple former Saints coaches and players into his fold, including Pete Carmichael Jr., who joined Denver after parting ways with the Saints last offseason. Rizzi could very well be the next to follow this trend.
Although many Saints fans hope Rizzi could return to his special teams coordinator role if not selected as head coach, this seems increasingly unlikely. It is rare for a coach who has temporarily held the head coaching reins to step back into a previous coordinator role under a new regime. Additionally, with Rizzi actively being considered for other opportunities, including a potential reunion with Payton in Denver, his departure from New Orleans feels inevitable.
If Rizzi does move on, the Saints will have to bring in a new special teams coordinator to rebuild that aspect of their coaching staff. Whether he ends up in Denver or lands another opportunity elsewhere, Rizzi’s experience and leadership have solidified his reputation as one of the NFL’s top special teams minds, making him a coveted asset in coaching circles.
