Saints Part Ways With Offensive Coordinator Pete Carmichael

The Saints have started making coaching changes, starting with a major one of offense.

The Saints have parted ways with offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, a source confirms to Saints News Network. The news broke on Tuesday afternoon and an official statement was made by the team that included the dismissals of senior offensive assistant Bob Bicknell and wide receivers coach Kodi Burns.

This isn’t exactly a shock to anyone, but a necessary move for New Orleans. While the offense finished on a very high note in the final five games, the overall result was just inconsistent. The Saints coaches were back in the building on Monday after having several days off, which is a fairly normal part of the debriefing process for Mickey Loomis and Dennis Allen.

State of the Offseason Saints: Quarterback

Allen said in his statement, “I would like to thank Pete, Bob and Kodi for their service to the New Orleans Saints and to this coaching staff. These types of decisions are never easy to come to, but are necessary as we move forward.”

“I would especially like to thank Pete for his contributions to this staff for 18 seasons. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the job he has done and as a colleague.”

This is a pivotal year for Allen, as it looks like it’ll be his final chance to get the Saints right. Derek Carr will be a huge component of that, and it’ll be interesting to see if anything materializes out of the Jon Gruden rumors too. 

It’s worth pointing out that the team allowed running backs coach Joel Thomas to interview for the same position on the Giants recently, and he officially joined them on Tuesday afternoon. There could obviously be more changes coming for the Saints offense.