When the New Orleans Saints named Darren Rizzi interim head coach after firing Dennis Allen, some believed Rizzi had a solid shot of locking up the job on a permanent basis.
And while the Saints won more games under his leadership (three) than they did under Allen (two), it’s clear the organization is looking to hit the reset button and casting a wide net in its search for a new head coach.
But if you ask Saints legend Drew Brees, who led the team to its only Super Bowl win back in 2009, there’s one clear person they should be targeting. During a recent interview with USA Today’s Saints Wire, Brees believes New Orleans would be better served following in the Detroit Lions footsteps and hiring a former player.
“The first guy who comes to my mind is Aaron Glenn,” Brees said. “Arguably, one of the greatest defensive backs to ever play the game. I played against him, I was a teammate of his too. He’s a leader of men. He garners a ton of respect. He knows the game. He is highly competitive.
“…He would be my top pick right now.”
Glenn, who’s currently the defensive coordinator for the Lions, played for the Saints in 2008 and later joined the team as a defensive backs coach from 2016 to 2020.
He’s just one of many candidates the Saints have requested permission to interview for their head-coaching vacancy including Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, and Giants offensive coordinator/assistant head coach Mike Kafka.
But with the Saints still in rebuild mode (they’re just 21-30 in the three seasons since Sean Payton left), Brees feels Glenn is the perfect person to come in and right the ship.
“He’s great interacting with players, and is an exceptional teacher,” Brees added. “I think he would put together a great staff as well that will come out and continue to accentuate New Orleans currently has in the locker room with his talent.”
