Saints Lose A Second Offensive Coordinator Candidate To Another Team

As the Saints continue offensive coordinator interviews, another of their list of candidates has agreed to sign with another team.

The New Orleans Saints have lost another in their pool of offensive coordinator candidates. NFL Insider Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Cincinnati Bengals are promoting quarterback coach Dan Pitcher to offensive coordinator on Wednesday. Pitcher replaces Brian Callahan, who departed to be the new head coach of the Tennessee Titans. 

New Orleans had one virtual interview with Pitcher last week and were reportedly scheduled to meet in-person with him on Thursday. Pitcher, 37, had received a lot of interest throughout the NFL as offensive coordinator. 

The Saints let go of their offensive coordinator, Pete Carmichael, last week. Carmichael had been with the team for 18 seasons, 15 as offensive coordinator. The Saints also terminated the contracts of WR coach Kodi Burns and senior offensive assistant Bob Bicknell. Running Back coach Joel Thomas left the team to accept the same position with the New York Giants. 

Jan 7, 2024; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks over the Atlanta Falcons defense. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Pitcher is the second candidate that the Saints have shown interest in to accept a position with another team. Former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron accepted the same position with the Chicago Bears earlier this week. 

The Saints have also interviewed Rams QB coach Zac Robinson, Texans QB coach Jerrod Johnson, 49ers passing game coordinator Klint Kubiak, 49ers QB coach Brian Griese, and Steelers QB coach Mike Sullivan. Ronald Curry, a New Orleans offensive assistant since 2016, also interviewed for the potential in-house promotion earlier this week. Curry has been the team’s QB coach the last three seasons. 

New Orleans ranked ninth in points scored and 14th in total offense in 2023. Starting QB Derek Carr fueled a passing attack that was 11th in the league. The Saints ranked only 21st in rushing production. They were 18th in red zone efficiency and averaged 28.8 points per outing over their last six contests after struggling through the first part of the year.