The New Orleans Saints should be turning up the heat on their coaching search in the coming days. They have interviews scheduled to finish this week, and the start of next week will also be busy in that sector.
Darren Rizzi has already interviewed for the Saints' head-coaching position, and the feedback has been positive regarding their discussions. He remains a legitimate candidate. He has also received interest from other teams in the NFL.
Rizzi, Bears update
According to Mike Klis, Rizzi joining the Bears is "not expected to happen." Earlier in the week, there were reports that the former Saints interim HC may join Chicago's new staff under Ben Johnson.
Accordingly, that takes another team out of the running for Rizzi's services. The Denver Broncos and Sean Payton seem like a strong competitor for Rizzi - if he doesn't get the HC job in New Orleans.
Dennis Allen has been named a potential option in Chicago for their defensive coordinator position as well. He's held in high regards for his defensive scheme and play-calling around the league.
A return to the Saints for Rizzi?
A return to the Saints' staff for Rizzi as their special teams coordinator under a new head coach feels unlikely, but nothing is impossible, of course. The players love him, and he retains a strong relationship with the organization.
Alvin Kamara, Cameron Jordan, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling all showed their support for Rizzi in the HC search on social media this week.
The long-time assistant has ties to multiple teams around the league, so I'd expect interest in him to only increase if someone else gets the Saints' HC job. Only time will tell, though. Keep an eye on him.
