BREAKING: Saints NFC South Foes Make Surprising Head Coach Hires

Reports indicate the New Orleans Saints' NFC South foes have made surprising hires for the head coach positions at Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons.

Reports indicate the New Orleans Saints' NFC South foes have made surprising hires for the head coach positions at Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons.

Jul 30, 2023; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales during training camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

DAVE CANALES

First, the Carolina plans to hire Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Dave Canales to become the Panthers' next head coach. Canales will work with their franchise quarterback, Bryce Young. 

Over his last two stints in Seattle and Tampa, he's revived the careers of Geno Smith (Seahawks) and Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers).

Nov 26, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

RAHEEM MORRIS

Next, Atlanta nixed hiring Bill Belichick in favor of the Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. He'll return to the NFC South as a head coach after leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011. Morris was the Falcons' interim head coach in the 2020 season, replacing Dan Quinn after his mid-season termination. Currently, he has a 21-38 record as a head coach. 

Morris, aged 47, has won two Super Bowl rings. He won his first ring as a staff member with Tampa Bay during Super Bowl XXXVII, and his most recent ring was with the Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl LVI.

Both hires filled head coach openings in the NFC South. The current head coaches are Dennis Allen (Saints), Todd Bowles (Bucs), Dave Canales (Panthers), and Raheem Morris (Falcons).

New England Patriots And Legendary Head Coach Bill Belichick Part Ways

NEWS OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR SEARCH UPDATE

After parting ways with longtime coach Pete Carmichael Jr, New Orleans is still interviewing candidates for its offensive coordinator position. Reports have the Saints scheduling interviews with the team's assistant coach, Ronald Curry, and Mike Sullivan of the Steelers. They missed a shot at OC candidates Dan Pritcher (Bengals) and Shane Waldron (Bears).

Bob Rose wrote: "The Saints have also interviewed Rams QB coach Zac Robinson, Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson, 49ers passing game coordinator Klint Kubiak, and 49ers quarterbacks coach Brian Griese."

Saints Lose A Second Offensive Coordinator Candidate To Another Team

The Saints News Network will have more details on the New Orleans Saints and NFC South coaching hires.