Three Offensive Coordinators Saints Could Target as Next Head Coach
The New Orleans Saints find themselves at a pivotal moment as they search for a new head coach to lead the franchise into its next era. While it's unclear whether they’ll prioritize an offensive or defensive leader, addressing the offense seems more pressing. The Saints’ once-potent attack has faltered in recent years, holding them from being genuine contenders. A stagnant rushing game, inconsistent quarterback play, and an inability to generate explosive plays have all contributed to their struggles. Hiring an offensive-minded head coach could be the key to unlocking the unit’s potential and solving the issues that have hindered its success. If the Saints go this route, here are three offensive minds who could be ideal fits for the job.
Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator, is one of the most exciting potential candidates for the Saints’ head coaching vacancy. Johnson has earned widespread acclaim for transforming the Lions’ offense into one of the NFL's most explosive and efficient units, showcasing creativity, balance, and adaptability. He has a proven ability to design schemes that maximize his players' strengths, often getting career-best performances out of his roster. In New Orleans, Johnson could work wonders with the dynamic talents of Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Alvin Kamara. His offensive philosophy focuses on creating mismatches and leveraging his top playmakers’ unique skill sets, ensuring they are always in positions to succeed. Whether Olave’s precise route-running, Shaheed’s ability to stretch the field, or Kamara’s dual-threat versatility, Johnson could craft a system that highlights their skills and keeps defenses guessing. Perhaps most impressively, he’s shown he can build effective offenses regardless of the quarterback, a critical skill given the Saints’ uncertainty at the position. Johnson’s track record suggests he could turn the Saints’ offensive potential into consistent production, reigniting a unit that has struggled to find its rhythm in recent years.
Bobby Slowik
Another intriguing candidate for the Saints’ head coaching vacancy is Bobby Slowik, the Houston Texans’ offensive coordinator. Slowik has quickly made a name for himself by engineering an impressive turnaround in Houston’s offense and playing a pivotal role in the rapid development of second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud. Under Slowik’s guidance, Stroud has emerged as one of the league's most productive and poised young quarterbacks, showcasing the coordinator’s ability to tailor his system to fit a quarterback’s strengths and help them excel early in their career. Slowik's expertise could be invaluable for the Saints, who may be eyeing a young quarterback in the early rounds of the upcoming draft. His offensive philosophy, rooted in the Shanahan-style system of efficient passing and a strong ground game, could provide a seamless transition for a rookie signal-caller while elevating the team’s overall performance. Pairing Slowik’s quarterback-friendly system with the Saints’ existing offensive talent could set the foundation for sustained success and help the team reclaim its spot as an offensive powerhouse.
Todd Monken
Todd Monken, the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator, is another strong candidate the Saints should consider for their head coaching role. Monken brings a wealth of experience, having successfully led offenses at both the NFL and collegiate levels. Most recently, he has been instrumental in revamping the Ravens’ attack, incorporating a more balanced and diverse passing game to complement their traditionally strong rushing identity. Monken’s ability to adapt his schemes to fit his personnel makes him an appealing option for New Orleans, especially given the team’s mix of veteran and young playmakers. What sets Monken apart is his extensive experience working with young players at the collegiate level, where he developed and mentored talent as both a head coach at Southern Miss and an offensive coordinator at Georgia. While at Georgia, he helped transform their offense into a powerhouse, guiding young quarterbacks like Stetson Bennett to new heights while effectively utilizing the team’s playmakers. This background makes him particularly well-suited for a team like the Saints, who could draft a young quarterback as their future leader. Monken’s ability to groom quarterbacks and build quarterback-friendly systems could provide New Orleans with the structure needed for long-term success.
In conclusion, the New Orleans Saints face a pivotal decision in selecting their next head coach, and if they choose to focus on the offensive side of the ball, several highly qualified candidates stand out. Ben Johnson’s innovative offensive schemes have transformed the Lions into one of the league’s most dynamic units, offering a blueprint for success. Bobby Slowik’s work with second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud showcases his ability to develop young talent, making him a strong candidate if the Saints invest in a future signal-caller. Todd Monken, with his experience at both the NFL and collegiate levels, has proven his ability to adapt and thrive with diverse personnel, making him an appealing choice for building a long-term offensive identity. Any offensive-minded coach could bring fresh vision and leadership to the Saints, propelling the team back into playoff contention and beyond.
