Bleacher Report Story Predicts that the Saints Will fire DA and Hire Brian Flores

"The New Orleans Saints bet on Dennis Allen being able to hold together their current run of success based on continuity and plenty of defensive talent. So far, that hasn't been the case.

The Saints are now 3-6 with Allen at the helm. While the carousel of Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton at quarterback and injuries to wide receivers Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry haven't helped, Allen has made it easy to remember that he went 8-28 in just over two years as the Raiders' head coach from 2012-2014.

Last offseason, executive vice president and general manager Mickey Loomis said he was impressed in interviews with now-Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker coach Brian Flores and Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Pederson was the only one to get a head coaching gig.

Glenn's defense in Detroit has been one of the league's worst. The Steelers haven't been great either, but Flores won't take most of the blame for that as the linebackers coach.

Loomis said Allen would get an interview in part because of his experience as a head coach. In Flores, he would get a candidate with head coaching experience who posted winning seasons in two of his three years with the Miami Dolphins.

Flores' brand of defensive football would give the Saints a new identity as they rebuild from the Sean Payton-Drew Brees era.


"Saints Get their First-Round Pick When the Broncos Trade for Sean Payton

The Denver Broncos have a lot riding on making the Russell Wilson era work. After giving up three players and multiple draft for Wilson this past offseason, they are only 3-5.

First-year head coach Nathaniel Hackett deserves some of the blame for that. His in-game management has been a point of concern, and his offense has failed to live up to the promise he showed as the offensive coordinator in Green Bay.


The Broncos are first in defensive EPA per play, but they're 31st on offense. If Hackett isn't delivering results in his area of expertise, it's hard to see him coming back next year.

The Broncos are pot-committed to Wilson after signing him to a five-year, $240-plus-million extension in early September. They have to find a coach who will build a successful offense around him.

No one is more qualified than Sean Payton. The former New Orleans Saints head coach has intimated that he could return to coaching next season after taking a year off to recharge.

With the Broncos looking to establish themselves under new ownership, Payton would be a home run hire who would bring hope back after a frustrating season. The only problem is that Payton is still under contract with the Saints, so they would have to work out a trade.

The Broncos might be willing to part with the 2023 first-round pick they got in the Bradley Chubb trade if it lands them a coach like Payton."

Thoughts?

Early 2023 NFL Coaching Carousel Predictions After Frank Reich Firing