The New Orleans Saints relieved offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. of his duties on Tuesday. It represents a major shakeup as Carmichael had been New Orleans’ offensive coordinator since 2009 and primary play-caller since 2022. The Saints could potentially target former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden to succeed Carmichael. Gruden would be a terrific hire for an offense that underachieved in 2023.
Head coach Dennis Allen is undeniably entering a do-or-die campaign in 2024. Some executives around the league were surprised the Saints didn't part ways with Allen after the season. The Saints have gone a combined 16-18 across Allen's two campaigns in charge, failing to qualify for the postseason in a weak NFC South on both occasions.
One can not overstate the importance of Allen's impending hire. An incorrect choice would likely lead to another disappointing season in New Orleans that culminates with Allen's dismissal. Hiring Gruden as the ideal candidate gives New Orleans' offense its best opportunity to be productive moving forward.
It's all about getting more out of quarterback Derek Carr, who failed to meet expectations in 2023 after signing a four-year contract worth $150 million. In his first season with the Saints, Carr threw for 3,878 yards, 25 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Carr's per-game average of 228.1 passing yards represents the second-lowest mark of his career, only outdoing his uneven 2014 rookie campaign. That’s not what the Saints signed up for.
Further extending Carr’s capabilities is the goal. Gruden is inherently familiar with Carr, spending four seasons (2018-21) as his head coach and play-caller with the Raiders. In 2019, Gruden's second season in charge, Carr completed a personal-best 70.4% of his passing attempts. Two years later, Carr threw for a career-high 4,804 yards under Gruden's tutelage, and the Raiders qualified for the postseason. No coach has unlocked the full range of Carr’s abilities like Gruden has.
Allen invited Gruden to attend Saints training camp last season as the staff began adjusting its offense to fit Carr's traits. Gruden was treated as a senior offensive consultant. That indicates the two sides have a good relationship. The blueprint for Gruden eventually joining the staff had been put in place. Now, the Saints must pull the trigger.
Hiring Gruden wouldn't be as straightforward as most coordinator appointments. It would be Gruden's first full-time role with an NFL franchise since he resigned as head coach of the Raiders in 2021 following a leak of controversial emails. Gruden took legal action by suing the NFL for alleged damages to his reputation, a case that remains ongoing. This could complicate the Saints' process. The Saints may require clearance from the league before officially appointing Gruden.
Both Allen and Carr are in danger of permanently damaging their reputation if the 2024 campaign doesn't showcase improvement. Neither Allen nor Carr may be considered a leading man in 2025 if the Saints fail to make the playoffs. Hiring Gruden to be the offensive coordinator could help the Saints course-correct.
