New Orleans Saints star running back Alvin Kamara appeared to throw his support behind Darren Rizzi for the team’s head coaching vacancy.
Kamara took to X to share his thoughts, writing: “Aite my vote for head coach rhyme wit Fizzi…”
Kamara doubled down in a follow-up post, poking fun at armchair analysts while highlighting his reluctance to discuss football during the offseason:
“Ion really speak too much football. Especially in the offseason. But it be funny hearing why yall think a coach should get a job or not. But then again.. the last time some yall played organized anything was last night on 2k. Can’t een get ya best friend to pass you the ball at the park. Wife mad as hell you yelling on the game all night,” Kamara posted on X.
Rizzi, the Saints’ special teams coordinator since 2019 and assistant head coach since 2022, took over as interim head coach in November after Dennis Allen was fired.
Despite a rough 2-7 start under Allen, Rizzi led the team to a slightly improved 3-5 record over the final eight games of the season.
Although Kamara’s comments hint at support for Rizzi, the Saints are still exploring a wide range of candidates for the permanent head coaching role.
According to reports, the team is actively working to schedule an in-person interview with former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero also reported that interviews with New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver are in the works but have been delayed due to severe winter weather in New Orleans.
The 54-year-old Rizzi is very well-respected and is no stranger to leadership roles.
Before joining the NFL, he served as head coach for Division II New Haven (1999–2001) and FCS Rhode Island (2008).
He transitioned to the NFL in 2009, spending nearly a decade with the Miami Dolphins in various special teams and assistant head coach capacities before landing in New Orleans.
The Saints recently interviewed Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who has ties to the franchise as a former offensive assistant (2017–2019).
Brady’s résumé also includes a stint as LSU’s passing game coordinator during their historic 2019 national championship run, as well as offensive coordinator roles with the Carolina Panthers and the Bills.
The next head coach will face significant challenges in rebuilding the Saints, who are coming off a disappointing 5-12 season – their worst since 2005.
Injuries to key players, including quarterback Derek Carr and wide receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, compounded the team’s struggles following a promising 2-0 start. (Remember how dominant they were in those first two games?!)
Regardless of who takes the reins, Kamara will remain a central figure in the Saints’ offense. With health and stability at key positions, the team hopes to end a four-year playoff drought and return to contention.
What are your thoughts on Kamara’s endorsement of Rizzi?
At the end of the day, who do you think the Saints should hire as their next head coach???
