BREAKING: Broncos To Hire Former Saints Offensive Coordinator Pete Carmichael

In a move that should surprise no one, another former Saints assistant looks to be joining Sean Payton in Denver.

Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com reports on Tuesday that the Denver Broncos will be hiring former New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. He'll take an unspecified position on Denver's offensive staff alongside former Saints head coach Sean Payton and Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, another former New Orleans assistant coach. 

Carmichael, 52, was fired by the Saints two weeks ago. He had been with New Orleans for 18 seasons, 15 of which as offensive coordinator. It's the longest tenured stint as coordinator, either offense or defense, in NFL history. 

Prior to joining New Orleans, Carmichael spent four years as an offensive assistant with the San Diego Chargers. San Diego's quarterback at the time was Drew Brees. He'd spent one year with both the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Browns before the Chargers. 

When Sean Payton was hired as head coach of the Saints in 2006, he signed Brees as his quarterback and Carmichael as QB coach. Lombardi joined the staff a year later in 2007. Carmichael was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2009, helping Brees, Payton, and the Saints to a victory in Super Bowl XLIV. 

Oct 19, 2023; New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, center, talks with quarterback Jameis Winston (2) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY

Fueled by Brees, Payton, and Carmichael, the Saints had some of the most productive offenses in NFL history. Brees retired after the 2020 season, while Payton resigned following the 2021 campaign. Carmichael assumed sole play-calling responsibilities after Payton's departure, a role he'd held for the last two seasons. 

Denver ranked 26th in total offense in 2023, Payton's first year with the franchise. Under Carmichael, the Saints ranked 14th in total offense and ninth in points scored. New Orleans has started six different quarterbacks in the 51 games games since Brees retired. 

Carmichael is the latest of several former New Orleans assistants to join Payton in Denver. The Saints will host the Broncos during the 2024-25 season.