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Darren Rizzi makes first staff changes as interim head coach

By Ross Jackson

11/06/2024

METAIRIE, La. — Usually when the media walks out to observe practice, a large portion is for the sake of taking attendance of the active roster and practice squad. But at New Orleans Saints practice on Wednesday, it was an absence among the coaching staff that was most notable.

Throughout practice on Wednesday, there was no sign of Defensive Line Coach Todd Grantham. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi updated that he has reorganized the defensive coaching staff a bit.

Grantham will no longer be coaching the defensive line. Instead, pass rush specialist Brian Young will lead the defensive line group. Grantham will instead serve as an advisor to defensive coordinator Joe Woods.

That side of the trenches has been under fire for most of the season because of its struggles both in defending the run as well as getting a consistent pass rush on opposing quarterbacks. In particular, the interior of the offensive line has struggled in both areas.

Young is a former Saints defensive lineman (2004-2008) who joined the coaching staff in 2009. He has been with the team’s staff for 15 years in various capacities, nine being as pass rush specialist.

Young and linebackers coach Michael Hodges will handle prepping the run game plan on defense while Woods and defensive backs coach Marcus Robertson will handle the passing defense side. Woods will call defensive plays.

Rizzi said that he and the organization would be looking at several aspects across the team beyond just the roster. His first point of order in addressing the coaching lineup on defense. He did say that the team will operate “status quo” on offense.

The interim head coach also announced that veteran special teams coach Marwan Maalouf will be added to the staff to help assist with the special teams area of the game while Rizzi takes on his additional responsibilities in his new role.

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” — Winston Churchill

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