The Saints packaged DA to the fans as they did, but in the end I think Mickey needed a patsy to buy him some time. We can't overlook that DA did a very good job as DC and had a lot of team support. Contrary to what a lot of fans believe, this organization wasn't in a position to win anyway. Had Mickey not hired DA then he would have hired whatever young up and coming coach at the time and they'd have approximately the same results over that period of time. As much as it makes me feel crazy to say it, I do think the Saints job is more desireable now then it was then. It's hard to be the guy who replaces a future HOF guy. You'd much rather be the guy who replaces the guy who replaced a future HOF guy.