The New Orleans Saints entered the 2023 NFL season as the likely favorites to win the NFC South. The division as a whole is one of the weakest in the league in terms of talent and postseason threats. After acquiring Derek Carr in the offseason to lead their offense, the Saints were viewed as a possible standalone -- a rare NFC South team that could win a playoff game.
Yet, here we are nearly three-fourths of the way through the NFL season, and the Saints have one of the worst offenses in the league. The defense isn't talented enough to consistently carry them. Following a loss to the Falcons on Sunday, New Orleans is no longer in first place in the division, and is on the outside looking in at the NFC Playoff Picture.
IF the Saints fail to make the playoffs, changes should be made to the coaching staff. It's unclear if that'll include Dennis Allen, but it's tough to see him surviving a disappointing 2023 regular season after the front office invested so much money in the team this past offseason. Should the Saints move on from Allen, there are plenty of possible replacements available.
Saints could bring Dan Quinn back to the NFC South as Dennis Allen replacement
Dan Quinn's Falcons tenure did not go according to plan, but that's not all on him. Quinn deserves a second chance as an NFL head coach, and he'll likely receive it considering how well the Cowboys defense is playing for the second-consecutive year. An easy argument against Quinn is that the Saints already employ a defensive-minded head coach. Why would they dump Allen for another?
Jay Glazer of FOX Sports hinted that Quinn could be a head coach in 2024 as early as Week 1.
"Yes. I see Dan Quinn becoming a head coach after this season." Glazer said. "Absolutely."
Quinn led the Falcons to the Super Bowl, only to fall short against the New England Patriots. While Quinn is unlikely to land the Dallas Cowboys job given Mike McCarthy's status, plenty of teams -- including the Raiders and Panthers, who have already fired their coaches -- may be interested. The Denver Broncos reportedly wanted to hire Quinn prior to settling on Nathaniel Hackett in 2022.
Quinn's name has gotten around NFL head coaching circles, and it's likely to again. Expect the Saints to do their due diligence.
If the Saints want offense, they should hire Ben Johnson
I'll be the most recent pundit to say it -- Ben Johnson can and should be a head coach in the NFL next season. Johnson has resurrected the Detroit Lions offense, and is one of the best play-callers in the league. He is exactly what Derek Carr and the Saints need if they are to figure this thing out long term. Carr isn't going anywhere, and the majority of New Orleans weapons are attainable, if the front office chooses. Why not let Johnson make the most of this Saints offense?
Who Dat Dish's Ryan Heckman discussed Johnson as a possible Allen replacement back in early November:
"I would certainly love to see what Johnson could do in New Orleans, and if he could turn Chris Olave into one of the best receivers in the game, because Olave definitely has that type of potential. The Saints have plenty to work with offensively, and Johnson would be able to take full advantage," Heckman wrote.
The only caveat to hiring Johnson is that he will likely have his choice of head coaching jobs. He turned down the Carolina Panthers as recently as last offseason when they wanted to interview him. Johnson is comfortable in Detroit, and if he doesn't like the opportunity in New Orleans, there's no real reason for him to jump ship.
If Jim Harbaugh is available, the Saints should try and hire him
Perhaps the most notable head coach who could be available is Jim Harbaugh. The Michigan Man himself has been suspended the final three games of the regular season thanks to a sign-stealing scandal. Michigan won all three of those games, including defeating Ohio State, meaning Harbaugh can return for the Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff.
The NCAA is still investigating Harbaugh and could come down hard on Michigan. College football analyst Urban Meyer (and former OSU coach, it should be noted), recently hinted that Harbaugh could be in for some serious punishment:
"I've heard it is deep-deep, and then I've heard it's not that deep, where it's just a rogue guy doing it, which is kinda hard for me to believe that just some guy's out there talking to your coordinators and nobody's aware what he did. So I want to remain to be seen what the depth [of it] is. If it's as deep as I'm hearing ... there's a chance he won't coach there next year for the season," Meyer said.
Now, I have no idea if Meyer is correct, but if Harbaugh is facing punishment he should consider other opportunities. Sherrone Moore is an ideal replacement for him at Michigan, and Harbaugh has NFL experience already. In New Orleans, he'd be a proven offensive mind and former NFL QB who can help turn around the Saints offense in a flash.
It's also clear that players at all levels love to play for Harbaugh. He can rally the troops and motivated the highest-paid member of the team or a practice squad player to do their job.