The New Orleans Saints have a busy offseason ahead of them.
They are currently without a coach, and some would argue they are without plenty more than that. The team has not made a playoff appearance since the departure of Drew Brees, and now their former coach Sean Payton is finding success in Denver.
The offseason is once again a pivotal one, and these four things are some to watch for in the coming months.
- The Next in Charge
The Saints will be looking for their next head coach, and a decision could be made at any time. Some of the favorites to land the job are Aaron Glenn, Mike Vrabel, and Joe Brady. There have been plenty of other names and rumors, but one thing that remains is this: the Saints have to get this right. They spent the years after Brees retired desperately trying to keep the window to contention open. That plan failed, and the next coach will be somewhat responsible for picking up the pieces. While fates can turn in the NFL in a hurry, you need the right person in charge making those calls. Time will tell if New Orleans can identify that.
2. Thrower of the Football
The quarterback situation is very unique in NOLA right now. Derek Carr has played capable football throughout his tenure here. However, he has not shown an ability to elevate a group of mediocre players around him. The ability for Carr to be a championship signal-caller would be directly tied to the Saints’ ability to put a championship roster around him. Right now, they are far from that. On the other hand, Spencer Rattler showed flashes as a rookie. However, he has not even demonstrated the ability to play at an average replacement level, at least consistently. Will the new coach want to roll with either of them? Or perhaps a third option unknown at the moment?
3. In Search of DUDES
Sure, the Saints have some good players on their team right now. However, how many “dudes” do they have? Those difference makers. Those players that can change a play, a game, or a season with their abilities? They have had less and less of those players in recent years, and the first few rounds of the NFL Draft are a likely culprit. If New Orleans is to return to glory, they will have to get back to drafting well and accumulating talented players at a variety of positions. That duty falls not only on the new coach they bring in, but also at the top with the front office.
4. Culture Standards
There is a unique situation within the Saints’ organization right now. Some of the people in charge, including General Manager Mickey Loomis, are responsible for the truest and longest golden era of Saints football that we have ever seen. So, in some ways, it makes sense that he and others are trying to do things in a familiar manner. They are trying to replicate what brought them so much success in the past. However, with the struggles they have shown in recent years. it does feel that some changes are necessary. One of the biggest questions left to be answered this weekend has to do with the ability of those people to make tough decisions that make them uncomfortable. That may be required for the Saints to return to their winning ways. How many big changes need to be made? That may be up for debate. However, a head coach and a quarterback may signal the direction that the franchise has decided to go in.
Dawson Eiserloh is the host of “The LohDown with D-Loh” which is broadcast weekdays (1-3 PM) on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette and 104.1 Lake Charles — Southwest Louisiana’s Sports Station
