Interim head coach Darren Rizzi has given the New Orleans Saints a spark, guiding the team to back-to-back wins over the Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns. At 2-0 under his leadership, the Saints head into their bye week with optimism and momentum. Rizzi’s early success has sparked a conversation among fans and analysts: could he be the right person to take the reins as the full-time head coach in 2025? While his leadership has undoubtedly revitalized the team, the road to earning the permanent role is steep. Here, we examine the benchmarks Rizzi must meet to convince the Saints’ front office and fanbase that he’s the right man for the job.
1. Prove Sustained Success: The Eight-to-Nine Win Threshold
Winning the next six to seven games to reach an 8-9 or 9-8 record should be the minimum benchmark for Rizzi to be seriously considered. Why? Because it would demonstrate his ability to lead a consistent turnaround for a team floundering at 2-7 before his tenure began. Achieving this record wouldn’t just be about piling up wins; it would show that Rizzi can sustain success, instill discipline, and maintain focus through adversity.
The Saints’ recent history makes this target even more critical. In 2021, former head coach Sean Payton managed to steer the team to nine wins despite a roster decimated by injuries, a COVID-19 outbreak, and quarterback instability. If Rizzi can achieve something similar, he will prove he can keep the team competitive even in challenging circumstances.
2. Win Against Tough Opponents
One of the criticisms of the Saints over the past few seasons has been their inability to win against stronger opponents. Rizzi’s tenure will be judged not just on overall wins but on his ability to deliver victories in difficult matchups. This starts with the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Rams, which presents a challenging matchup despite transitioning.
Beating the Rams, followed by victories over playoff-contending teams like the Washington Commanders or Green Bay Packers, would demonstrate that Rizzi can prepare his team to compete at a high level. These games allow Rizzi to prove that the Saints can go toe-to-toe with talented rosters, even with a depleted depth chart.
3. Sustain Derek Carr’s Resurgence
Under Rizzi, quarterback Derek Carr has shown signs of rejuvenation. Carr’s improved performance, including key wins and efficient play, has been a cornerstone of the Saints’ recent success. For Rizzi to earn the full-time job, he must maintain Carr’s upward trajectory. The Saints are tied to Carr through his contract until at least 2027, so maximizing his potential is critical for the team’s immediate future.
If Carr continues to play well under Rizzi’s watch, it would validate Rizzi’s ability to manage and develop one of the team’s most important assets. Conversely, if Carr regresses, it would raise questions about whether Rizzi can sustain the offensive growth required to lead the Saints into contention.
4. Build on Defensive Momentum
One of the biggest changes under Rizzi has been the defensive resurgence. The Saints’ pass rush, which had been lackluster for much of the season, has come alive in recent games. With six sacks in two games and timely plays in crunch moments, the defensive line has thrived under a more aggressive and simplified approach.
For Rizzi to secure the job, this defensive momentum must continue. Players like Cameron Jordan, Chase Young, and Payton Turner have started to perform at the level expected of them, and the defensive unit as a whole is hunting rather than being hunted. If Rizzi can sustain this improvement and establish a clear defensive identity, it will bolster his case as a head coach who can maximize talent.
5. Show Progress in Depth Development
The Saints’ biggest weakness this season has been their lack of depth. Injuries to key players have exposed a lack of quality backups, and the team’s performance has often suffered. While Rizzi can’t rebuild the roster overnight, he can demonstrate his ability to develop the team’s existing depth players.
For example, recent acquisitions like wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling have made an immediate impact under Rizzi’s leadership. If Rizzi can continue to elevate role players and get contributions from unexpected sources, it would show that he has a knack for coaching up his roster and addressing a critical area of need.
6. Win Over the Locker Room and Fanbase
While wins and losses are the most visible measure of success, Rizzi’s ability to connect with his players and energize the fanbase will also play a significant role in his evaluation. Early signs are promising; the team has responded well to Rizzi’s leadership, showing renewed energy and focus on the field.
To solidify his case, Rizzi must continue fostering this accountability and unity culture. Players like Alvin Kamara and Tyrann Mathieu have hinted at a shift in mentality since Rizzi took over, and maintaining this momentum will be key. Similarly, earning the support of the fanbase—known for its passion and high expectations—will be crucial as the Saints weigh their options for 2025.
7. Leave No Doubt Amid External Competition
One of the arguments against automatically promoting Rizzi is the potential to miss out on more experienced or promising candidates from outside the organization. Despite its cap challenges and aging roster, the Saints job remains attractive due to its strong core of players and a storied franchise history.
For Rizzi to overcome this competition, he must leave no doubt that he’s the best option. This means outperforming expectations, delivering signature wins, and showing a clear vision for the team’s future. If Rizzi can demonstrate that he’s not just a stopgap solution but a long-term leader, the Saints front office will have little reason to look elsewhere.
A Promising Start with Work to Do
Darren Rizzi’s tenure as interim head coach has given the Saints a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose. His early success has sparked hope in a season that seemed lost, but the road to securing the full-time role is far from over. To become the next head coach of the Saints, Rizzi must continue to deliver wins, beat quality opponents, develop depth, and sustain the team’s upward trajectory.
An 8-9 or 9-8 record, combined with sustained improvement across all game phases, would place Rizzi in strong contention for the job. Anything less, and the Saints may find themselves looking to outside candidates who can bring a fresh vision and build on the foundation Rizzi has helped lay. The coming weeks will be critical—not just for the Saints’ season but for Rizzi’s future as a head coach in the NFL.
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