The New Orleans Saints have made a significant move to bolster their coaching staff following the appointment of Kellen Moore as their new head coach. Given Moore’s offensive expertise and debut as a head coach, it’s crucial for the Saints to bring experienced personnel on board, particularly in the defensive coordinator role.
In light of this, the Saints have set their sights on Brandon Staley as the prime candidate for the position. With many highly rated defensive coordinators already secured by other teams, Staley emerges as the logical choice for New Orleans.
The Saints are in dire need of defensive improvements, especially after a lackluster performance during the previous season. Their defensive woes were evident, with subpar pass coverage leading to a ranking of 27th in pass yards allowed per game, while their run defense also struggled, conceding 136 rushing yards per game.
The defensive shortcomings extended to their inability to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, resulting in a relatively low sack conversion rate. The defense’s struggles were further highlighted by their high missed tackle count and frequent positional errors, reflecting a lack of fundamental soundness.
To compound matters, the Saints face the challenge of transitioning from aging veterans like Cameron Jordan and Demario Douglas to younger talents such as Pete Werner, Bryan Bresse, and Payton Turner. However, the inconsistent performances of these promising players underscore the pressing need for a seasoned defensive strategist to guide their development.
In this context, Brandon Staley emerges as a fitting candidate for the Saints’ defensive coordinator role. While his tenure as a head coach may not have yielded the desired results, Staley’s prowess as a defensive coordinator is well-documented. Following his stint as the assistant head coach for the San Francisco 49ers, where he absorbed invaluable knowledge under the tutelage of Kyle Shanahan, Staley’s resume boasts impressive coaching experience across various NFL franchises.
Staley’s defensive acumen is underscored by his successful tenure as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, where his unit led the league in several defensive categories. His defensive scheme, influenced by the renowned Vic Fangio, has proven effective in stifling opposition offenses when given singular focus.
Despite the challenges faced in his head coaching role, Staley’s wealth of defensive expertise positions him as an invaluable asset to the Saints’ coaching staff. His complementarity with Moore’s offensive mindset and the shared exposure to defensive intricacies make Staley an ideal candidate to spearhead New Orleans’ defensive resurgence.
