Danno

New Orleans

The Saints featured the worst overall defense, at least from a statistical standpoint, in the league in 2004, but we’re told that likely won’t lead to defensive coordinator Rick Venturi being fired. Instead, there is speculation that head coach Jim Haslett will simply reassign Venturi from defensive coordinator to position coach, because Haslett still trusts Venturi’s judgment as a coach and believes Venturi to be one of the best teachers in the NFL. There also has been talk that Venturi’s replacement â€â€� if a change is made â€â€� could be Packers DB coach Kurt Schottenheimer. Schottenheimer was the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator in 1999, when the defense set a team record for defensive touchdowns. Haslett would like to see his defense make more big plays next season, and Schottenheimer may be the answer.
http://www.profootballweekly.com/PF...m?mode=nfcsouth

[Edited on 17/1/2005 by Danno]

Euphoria

Ahhh, yes this is what I have been saying all along. Get new OC and then reassign Venturi. Benson isn\'t going to allow him to be fired anyways. Benson feels he owes him. Venturi did pretty good as DB coach years ago.

Danno

Well if Venturi and Haz must stay, this is pretty good news. At least we may bring in a real DC. Of couse I don\'t know much about Schottenheimer, but he\'s gotta be an upgrade over Venturi, right?

Euphoria

Yes have to be an upgrade. Coming from the Packers isn\'t a bad thing... he has been tooled by some good names and been around a good franchise.

dberce1

Please let this be true.

LordOfEntropy

I wonder if Mike McKenzie\'s problems with the Packers had anything to do with him.

It\'d suck to bring problems from another team over here.

I\'m not saying he\'s a bad move, I just wonder if McKenzie will be looking for a new team if this guy comes along.

Of course, that\'s probably not the case. And I hope it isn\'t.

Danno

Excellent point. One of Mike\'s points of contention was the defensive schemes they were using, as well as he and one of his favorite coaches being blamed for the 4th and 26 disaster.

This may be something to keep an eye on. I hope not, but knowing our disfunctional Saints it probably is.

whodatsaintsfan26

While I agree that a change needs to be made, I dont think this is much of an upgrade. I know he wasnt the defensive coordinator of the Packers, this guy is coming from a defense that gave up more points and only 15 less passing yards per game. He was the DB coach and they gave up 243 passing yards per game, and 25.68 points per game. They were -14 giveaway/takeaway the saints were +2. Gave up 33 passing TD\'s to the saints 24 passing TD\'s. I know he had success in Kansas City, but he was part of a defense that went from 6th in the NFC 2 years ago 10th in 03, and 13th in 04 in passing yards per game. Maybe we should be looking elsewhere for our new DC.

Tobias-Reiper

.. I don\'t think it is good news at all... yeah Venturi wouldn\'t be the DC anymore, but what\'s the difference bringing up a guy with no coordinator experience? .. how long would we have to wait for the defense to \"gel\" with the \"new scheme\"?

..Packers DB coach? ... 4th and 26, anyone?

..oh, and yes, at one point he was the DC in KC, however, he got that job because of his Daddy, who was the head coach... that defense was pretty good way before Kurt got there....

[Edited on 17/1/2005 by Tobias-Reiper]

whodatsaintsfan26

He wasnt there for the 4th and 26 fiasco. He has been a coordinator before and had success, but with the job done this season with the packers I dont see much improvement with this hire.