Former LSU Assistant Joe Brady Could Interview for Saints Head Coaching Job
As the NFL offseason progresses and teams begin to reevaluate their coaching staffs, the New Orleans Saints are one of the most closely watched franchises, especially with rumors circulating about their search for a new head coach. One name that has consistently appeared in discussions surrounding the Saints’ potential head coach candidates is Joe Brady, the former LSU offensive coordinator who played a key role in helping the Tigers secure the 2019 National Championship.
Brady’s name has been associated with several high-profile coaching opportunities in recent years, and as the Saints consider their options to replace Dennis Allen, Brady could very well find himself in the running for one of the most coveted jobs in the NFL. The idea of bringing in Brady to lead the Saints is intriguing, given his unique background and rapid rise in the coaching world.
The Rise of Joe Brady: From LSU to the NFL
Brady’s journey to becoming a highly regarded coach began at LSU, where he served as the Tigers’ offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2020 under head coach Ed Orgeron. During his tenure, Brady helped transform LSU’s offense into one of the most explosive units in college football. The 2019 season, in particular, was nothing short of magical. Under the guidance of Brady and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow, LSU set numerous offensive records and captured the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Brady’s offensive philosophy focused on creating a fast-paced, dynamic attack that utilized a wide variety of formations and spread concepts, making it difficult for opposing defenses to keep up. His influence on the development of Burrow, who became the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, was a key factor in the Tigers’ offensive success. Brady’s ability to make complex concepts simple and his knack for maximizing the strengths of his players gained him national recognition. As a result, Brady was viewed as one of the brightest young offensive minds in the game.
Following his success at LSU, Brady was hired by the Carolina Panthers in 2020 as their offensive coordinator. Despite showing promise early on, the Panthers’ offense struggled in the following seasons, and Brady’s tenure with the team was ultimately short-lived. After a disappointing 2022 season, Brady was let go by the Panthers, but his reputation as an offensive guru remained intact.
In the years since his time in the NFL, Brady has consistently been mentioned as a candidate for various coaching positions due to his impressive track record of developing quarterbacks and leading high-powered offenses. His name has come up in connection with head coaching vacancies at both the college and NFL levels, and now, with the Saints potentially looking for a new leader, Brady’s name is once again near the top of the list.
Joe Brady and the Saints: A Natural Fit?
The New Orleans Saints are at a crossroads. After a disappointing 2024 season, in which the team failed to meet expectations, the franchise has decided to part ways with head coach Dennis Allen. While Allen was initially brought in to help continue the success of the team under former head coach Sean Payton, the Saints have struggled to find consistent success since Payton’s departure. The team’s lack of offensive production, coupled with an aging roster and an uncertain quarterback situation, led to the decision to move on from Allen and search for a new leader.
For the Saints, the next head coach needs to bring both fresh ideas and a proven track record of success, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. That’s where Joe Brady could make a lot of sense. Brady’s offensive philosophy and his work with quarterbacks would be a breath of fresh air for a team in need of rejuvenation.
One of the primary areas the Saints will need to address is their quarterback situation. With Derek Carr and Jameis Winston struggling to consistently perform under center, finding a long-term answer at the position is a top priority for New Orleans. Brady’s ability to develop and work with quarterbacks could be a major asset in this regard. Having worked with quarterbacks like Joe Burrow at LSU and Sam Darnold in Carolina, Brady’s expertise in building offenses around the strengths of his signal-callers would make him an appealing option for the Saints.
Moreover, Brady’s approach to offensive football, which emphasizes a balanced attack, tempo, and spreading the field, could be exactly what the Saints need to revitalize their offensive scheme. The Saints have long been known for having one of the most creative offenses in the NFL under Sean Payton, and Brady could be the perfect candidate to carry on that tradition.
Brady’s Strengths and Weaknesses as a Head Coach Candidate
As an offensive coordinator, Brady’s strengths are undeniable. His innovative approach to football, his ability to adapt his scheme to fit the talent he has, and his track record of developing quarterbacks have made him one of the most respected young minds in the game. His work with Joe Burrow at LSU speaks volumes about his ability to maximize a quarterback’s potential and lead a team to a national championship.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that Brady has yet to prove himself as a head coach. While his offensive prowess is well-established, coaching a team requires more than just designing a successful offense. A head coach must manage all aspects of the game, including defense, special teams, personnel decisions, and locker room dynamics. Brady’s time as an NFL coordinator didn’t provide the same level of success as his tenure at LSU, and his ability to lead an entire team in a head coaching capacity remains untested.
That said, Brady’s previous experience working under seasoned coaches like Ed Orgeron at LSU and Matt Rhule with the Panthers has likely given him valuable insight into what it takes to run a team. His understanding of the game on both sides of the ball, coupled with his work ethic and ability to build relationships with players, would serve him well if he were to land the Saints’ head coaching job.
The Saints’ Search: Will Brady Get an Interview?
It’s clear that Joe Brady is a candidate worth considering for the Saints’ head coaching job. His offensive background, ability to develop quarterbacks, and fresh approach to the game make him an appealing choice for a franchise in need of a new direction. The Saints’ front office will likely take a close look at his body of work, both at LSU and in the NFL, to determine whether he’s the right fit to lead the team back to championship contention.
With the Saints in search of a new identity on offense, hiring an offensive-minded head coach like Brady could be the spark the team needs. Whether or not Brady gets an interview remains to be seen, but his name is certainly one to watch as the Saints continue their search for their next head coach.
The Future for Joe Brady and the Saints
Joe Brady’s future in coaching is undoubtedly bright, and his potential as an NFL head coach is something to watch closely. The Saints’ job presents an opportunity for him to prove that his success at LSU was not a fluke and that he has what it takes to lead an NFL team. If Brady does get an interview, he will likely have the chance to show the Saints’ front office why he is the right man to lead their team moving forward.
Whether or not Brady lands the job in New Orleans, there’s no doubt that he will continue to be a highly sought-after candidate for other coaching opportunities. His resume, particularly his time at LSU, makes him one of the most intriguing names in the coaching world, and his next move will be closely watched by NFL teams looking to revamp their programs. For the Saints, hiring a coach with a fresh perspective and a proven ability to develop talent could be the key to returning to relevance in a competitive NFC South division.
