Report: Saints Hire Todd Grantham as Defensive Assistant Coach

New Orleans brings a decorated college coach back to the NFL as a defensive assistant.

The New Orleans Saints have made one hire to fill one of their several defensive coaching staff openings. ESPN reports that the Saints have hired Todd Grantham as a defensive assistant.

The exact position Grantham was hired for has not yet been announced. However, he does have extensive experience as both a defensive coordinator and defensive line coach. 

New Orleans lost both of their co-defensive coordinators from last season. Ryan Nielsen, also the defensive line coach since 2017, departed for the defensive coordinator job with the Atlanta Falcons. Kris Richard, also the defensive backs coach last season, will not be back with the team next season. 

Grantham, 56, was a defensive analyst with Alabama last season. He interviewed for the defensive coordinator job for the Crimson Tide, but instead elected to return to the NFL. His most recent coaching job was as the defensive coordinator for the Florida Gators from 2018 to 2021.

Sep 18, 2021; Florida Gators defensive coordinator Todd Grantham against Alabama. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Grantham has held NFL positions as the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns (2005-2007) and defensive line coach for the Cowboys (2008-2009), Texans (2002-2004), and Colts (1999-2001). He's also been a collegiate defensive assistant at Virginia Tech, Michigan State, Georgia, Louisville, and Mississippi State.

The Saints had a 7-10 record under first-year head coach Dennis Allen in 2022. Allen had previously been the team’s defensive coordinator since 2015. New Orleans ranked fifth in total defense last year, including 2nd against the pass and 24th against the run.