Pete Carmichael was believed to be ticketed for a non-offensive coordinator role in 2022, but the Saints are now planning to keep him in the same post.
Sean Payton‘s right-hand man on offense has been with the Saints since Payton arrived in 2006, and he rose to the OC level ahead of New Orleans’ 2009 Super Bowl-winning season. Despite the Saints bringing in candidates for OC interviews, they are keeping Carmichael on board here, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.
Although Payton leaving will present a massive play-calling void, Carmichael sticking around will help ensure continuity. Carmichael is the NFL’s longest-tenured offensive coordinator. The 2022 season will bring a new challenge for Carmichael, with Dennis Allen‘s promotion to head coach clearing the way for a play-calling opportunity. Although the Saints’ quarterback spot remains uncertain, it appears the team has identified its next offensive play-caller. Carmichael, 50, called plays sparingly under Payton, but his next assignment will obviously represent new territory.
The Saints interviewed Jay Gruden, Colts running backs coach Scottie Montgomery and new Cowboys wideouts coach Robert Prince for the OC job. They also hired former Payton lieutenant Doug Marrone, who vacated the New Orleans OC post after leaving to become Syracuse’s HC in 2009. Carmichael, who turned down the opportunity to interview for the Saints’ HC job, and Marrone are positioned to be Allen’s top offensive staffers.