An overreaction in the wake of New Orleans’ Week 18 loss to Tampa Bay.
In a recurring theme toward the end of the season, the New Orleans Saints’ strong first-half performance fizzled out on Sunday afternoon. Their 2024 campaign concluded with a 27-19 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who clinched their fourth straight division title and a trip to the playoffs.
Let’s discuss an overreaction following the Saints’ season finale:
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Is Darren Rizzi being overlooked?
It’s surprising to see some fans completely disregard interim HC Darren Rizzi in this off-season’s interviewing process. While I understand the need for New Orleans to thoroughly evaluate outside candidates and still personally lean toward going with a fresh perspective at the conclusion of this search, I’m starting to feel that Rizzi is being a bit overlooked.
Man after talkin with our media lemme restate, interim head coach Rizzi, did a lot with what was given.
— Cam Jordan (@camjordan94) January 6, 2025
I’d say Rizzi is more than deserving of an interview and would call it an overreaction to think otherwise given the circumstances he was tasked with. At rock bottom, Rizzi’s passion and attention to detail provided the Saints a desperately-needed spark—qualities that were clearly missing under Dennis Allen—despite taking over an injury-depleted roster in the midst of a seven-game losing streak. The players have continued to speak highly of Rizzi, making it clear there is immense respect for him throughout the locker room.
Darren Rizzi made a strong impression on this team. A lot of the leaders publicly and privately said they’d love to have him back if that’s the direction the team goes, and they’d like to see the staff he assembles himself.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) January 6, 2025
Here are a number of quotes from Rizzi’s final press conference that stood out to me:
Darren Rizzi said he has a newfound respect for head coaches after being in the front seat. He said that the locker room support he has received has been unreal.
— Tina Howell (@TinaHowellNOLA) January 6, 2025
Darren Rizzi: As you know it wasn’t a blank canvas when I took over that a lot of painting had already been done.
— Tina Howell (@TinaHowellNOLA) January 6, 2025
Asked Darren Rizzi what he hopes Saints and other teams consider when evaluating him as a coaching candidate:
“I can sit here and confidently say I think I’m a good leader… Leadership, communication and relationships. Don’t think there’s a more important trio than those three.”
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) January 6, 2025
Darren Rizzi: Change needs to take place. Can’t say how big or small but it needs to take place across the board. He mentioned their record (5-12) but said there are a lot of strengths in this building.
— Tina Howell (@TinaHowellNOLA) January 6, 2025
Darren Rizzi says the player’s relationship with the coach has been one of the most important lessons he has learned. Said the people side is important and the relationships he’s developed over the past several years has helped.
— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) January 6, 2025
Rizzi did confirm that he spoke to GM Mickey Loomis and does expect to go through the formal interview process with the Saints, though the date is TBD. But I’m curious—who is your preferred head coach candidate?