After a tumultuous season that saw Dennis Allen relieved of his duties as head coach, Darren Rizzi stepped into the interim role with the unenviable task of turning around a struggling New Orleans Saints team. The Saints have shown some improvement at 3-1 under Rizzi’s leadership, but Sunday’s 14-13 victory over the New York Giants raised more questions than answers. While the win pushed the Saints to a 5-8 record, their slim playoff hopes (1% per Next Gen Stats) highlight the team’s uphill battle.
The question is: Does Darren Rizzi’s performance as interim head coach make him a legitimate candidate for the permanent job, or are his recent successes masking deeper issues within the team?
A Strong Start but Lingering Concerns
When Rizzi took over, the Saints were reeling from injuries, poor offensive execution, and a lack of defensive consistency. Under his leadership, the team quickly notched three wins, including victories against the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons. Rizzi’s fiery leadership style and willingness to shake up game plans breathed life into a roster lacking direction under Allen.
However, the narrow win over the Giants—arguably one of the weakest teams in the NFL this season—has tempered some enthusiasm around Rizzi’s candidacy. The Saints were expected to win convincingly, but their struggles on offense and inability to close out games with authority highlighted persistent issues.
The loss of quarterback Derek Carr, who suffered a left arm injury and entered concussion protocol, only complicates matters further. Rizzi faces a daunting challenge in the remaining games as he navigates a roster plagued by injuries and inconsistency.
What Has Rizzi Done Right?
- Reinvigorated Team Morale
Rizzi’s most significant accomplishment has been restoring belief in the locker room. Players have responded positively to his direct, no-nonsense approach, contrasting Dennis Allen’s subdued demeanor. The Saints have played with more energy and focus under Rizzi, which is evident in their three victories.
- Improved Defensive Performance
The Saints’ defense has shown flashes of dominance during Rizzi’s tenure. In the past four games, they’ve recorded nine sacks and forced multiple turnovers, giving the offense opportunities to capitalize. Against the Giants, the defense held New York to just 13 points and limited standout rookie Malik Nabers to 79 receiving yards.
- Better In-Game Adjustments
Rizzi has demonstrated a willingness to adjust during games, which was sorely lacking under Allen. Whether tweaking defensive alignments or dialing up creative offensive plays, Rizzi has shown he’s not afraid to adapt when necessary.
The Case Against Rizzi
While Rizzi’s record as interim head coach is respectable, there are valid concerns about whether he’s the right long-term choice.
- Offensive Inconsistencies
The Saints’ offense has been inconsistent at best under Rizzi. The loss of Taysom Hill to an ACL injury in Week 13 only exacerbates the issue, leaving the team without one of its most versatile weapons. With Derek Carr sidelined and Jake Haener now at the helm, the offense struggled to generate momentum against the Giants. The Saints managed only 14 points against a defense that ranks 18th in points allowed.
- Lack of Convincing Wins
While a 3-1 record is impressive, the quality of the Saints’ wins under Rizzi has been called into question. Narrow victories over underperforming teams like the Giants and Browns don’t necessarily inspire confidence in Rizzi’s ability to lead the team against tougher competition.
- Limited Offensive Creativity
A successful head coach must oversee all game phases, and Rizzi’s offensive strategies have been underwhelming. Without significant improvement, it’s hard to envision him as the long-term solution.
What Rizzi Must Do to Solidify His Case
For Rizzi to be seriously considered for the full-time head coaching role, he must make a strong case in the Saints’ remaining games. Here’s what he must accomplish:
- Finish Strong
With four games left in the season, including matchups against the Washington Commanders, Green Bay Packers, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rizzi must demonstrate that the Saints can compete with and beat more formidable opponents. Finishing the season with at least two more wins would strengthen his case significantly.
- Succeed at QB Without Derek Carr
If Derek Carr remains sidelined, Rizzi’s ability to develop rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener will be closely scrutinized. Showing that he can adapt the offense to suit either QBs strengths and help them succeed would be a significant feather in Rizzi’s cap.
- Address Offensive Struggles
Rizzi must find ways to generate more offensive consistency, even with unavailable key players like Hill and Carr. Leaning heavily on Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller in the running game while finding creative ways to involve Marquez Valdez-Scantling could be the key to unlocking the offense’s potential.
- Compete Against Stronger Teams
The Saints’ Week 15 matchup against the Commanders and a divisional clash with the Buccaneers in Week 17 will be critical tests. If Rizzi can guide the Saints to victory in these games, it would demonstrate his ability to lead the team against tougher competition.
Is Rizzi the Right Choice?
Darren Rizzi has done an admirable job stabilizing the Saints after a rocky start to the season, but questions remain about whether he’s the right person to lead the team long-term. His ability to motivate players and improve the defense is commendable, but the offensive struggles and lack of convincing wins are red flags.
Ultimately, Rizzi’s case for the permanent job will depend on how the Saints perform in the season’s final stretch. If he can finish strong, develop Jake Haener, and address the team’s weaknesses, he could force the Saints’ front office to consider him seriously. However, with the franchise at a critical juncture, New Orleans may still explore external candidates who can bring fresh ideas and a bold vision for the future.
For now, the clock is ticking for Darren Rizzi to prove he deserves to be the next head coach of the New Orleans Saints.
