It appears that the New Orleans Saints keep head coach Dennis Allen in 2024, but other personnel changes are expected. A well-known Super Bowl-winning head coach could join New Orleans this offseason, according to a new report.
According to Nola.com, the Saints are considering adding Jon Gruden if he doesn’t find a head coaching job this offseason. Gruden reportedly spent time with Saints officials when the team traveled to Tampa Bay in Week 17 for their game against the Buccaneers. He even reportedly attended a team meeting and had dinner with members of the Saints staff, including general manager Mickey Loomis.
Jeff Duncan points out that Gruden would likely fit in with the offensive staff, but would not replace offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. Allen told reporters Monday that he and the Saints will “look at everything” when it comes to potential changes to the offensive personnel.
Gruden served as consultant for the Saints last season because he knew former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, who was transitioning to New Orleans. Carr went 9-8 as a starter this season, throwing for 3,878 yards, 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He finished the 2023 campaign with an NFL-high 14 passing touchdowns over the final five games.
Prior to his advisory role with the Saints, Gruden served as head coach of the Raiders for just over three years before resigning in October 2021 after leaked emails revealed he used racist, sexist and homophobic language. During an appearance at the Little Rock Touchdown Club in Arkansas last AugustGruden said he was “ashamed” of the language he used in the emails, but would like to return to the sidelines.
“I’m not going to say anything but honest things here,” Gruden said when asked about his resignation. “I am ashamed of what is happening in these emails and I will make no excuse for it. It is shameful. But I am a good person, I believe that. I go to church. I am married for 31 years.”
Gruden won Super Bowl XXXVII with the Buccaneers in 2003 and has a 117-112 record as head coach.