Anytime an interim coach takes over, they’re given a head start to make their case for the coaching vacancy. Based on how things go under their lead, the interim coach either catapults themselves to the top of the list of candidates, or they eliminate themselves from the coaching search all together.
For Darren Rizzi, who has been the interim coach for the New Orleans Saints since Week 10 of the 2024 season, he is well on his way to being a top candidate for the full-time role. Since taking over for the fired Dennis Allen at the midpoint of the season, Rizzi has quickly proven himself as a respected leader.
Darren Rizzi has been impressive during his stint as interim head coach
Under Rizzi, the Saints are 3-2 after Week 15, and they have been in every game, suffering two one-score losses. Beyond trying to win in the NFL, the challenges have been abundant for Rizzi and the Saints. New Orleans has had several key players sidelined with injury, including starting quarterback Derek Carr. Still, Rizzi has kept the team competitive.
From the moment he took over, it was clear he had the support of the locker room. From how the guys speak about Rizzi, to how they interact with him on the field, it’s clear they love and respect him, and that’s an important part of being a head coach.
Additionally, Rizzi is passionate, and holds his guys accountable; that has all been on display this season, and is a big reason why the Saints have been in every game under his lead. With three games left in the regular season, he can continue to build his candidacy.
Regardless of what happens, though, New Orleans still has to have a full coaching search. Additionally, while Rizzi has been promising, it’ll be smart for the Saints to explore all of their options. This will be an important hire for New Orleans, and with a ton of impressive candidates this cycle, the organization needs to get the decision right. The right decision could ultimately be keeping Darren Rizzi.
