ESPN REPORT: Drew Brees reveals his pick for who should be the next Saints head coach

ESPN REPORT: Drew Brees Reveals His Pick for Who Should Be the Next Saints Head Coach

 

**New Orleans, LA – January 13, 2025** – In an exclusive interview with ESPN, former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees shared his thoughts on who should be the team’s next head coach following the departure of Dennis Allen. Brees, who spent 15 seasons with the Saints and led them to a Super Bowl victory in 2010, spoke candidly about his vision for the future of the franchise and who he believes has the leadership qualities to take the team to the next level.

 

“I think the New Orleans Saints need a leader who understands what it takes to win at the highest level, someone who can connect with players on and off the field, and someone who has a deep understanding of the culture of this city and this franchise,” Brees began. “For me, there’s one name that stands out above the rest.”

 

That name, according to Brees, is former Saints defensive coordinator, and current Arizona Cardinals head coach, **Dennis Allen**’s predecessor and long-time NFL defensive coordinator **Rex Ryan**.

 

### The Case for Rex Ryan

 

Brees laid out the reasons why Ryan, the well-known defensive mastermind, would be a perfect fit for the job. “Rex Ryan has been around the game for decades and has the experience to build a championship-winning culture. He’s passionate, he knows how to motivate players, and he has a strong understanding of what it takes to turn a defense into an elite unit, which is something the Saints have been lacking in recent seasons.”

 

Ryan, who has head coaching experience with both the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills, has developed a reputation for his aggressive defensive schemes and his ability to maximize his players’ potential. His fiery personality and no-nonsense approach to coaching have made him a fan favorite in the cities where he’s coached, and Brees believes that energy would be contagious in New Orleans.

 

“Look, we all know how important defense is in the NFL. Rex Ryan’s defenses are known for being disruptive, opportunistic, and hard-hitting,” Brees said. “That’s the kind of mentality the Saints need to bring back to their roster. They have the talent on that side of the ball, and with Rex leading the charge, they could be one of the most dominant defenses in the league.”

 

Brees also emphasized Ryan’s ability to adapt his coaching style to the strengths of the players on the roster, noting that Ryan’s versatility would allow him to maximize the talent of both the offense and defense. “One of the biggest things I think a head coach has to do is figure out how to bring out the best in the players, and Rex has shown he can do that, no matter what personnel he has.”

 

### The Saints’ Need for Change

 

The New Orleans Saints franchise has seen its share of ups and downs since Brees’ retirement in 2021. Despite having talented rosters, the team has struggled to regain the same level of consistency that they had during Brees’ tenure. In particular, the team’s defense has not performed up to expectations in recent seasons, and the offense has lacked the same explosiveness that once made it one of the most dangerous units in the NFL.

 

Allen, who was promoted to head coach after Sean Payton’s departure in 2022, has faced heavy criticism for the team’s inability to compete at a high level. Brees acknowledged the challenges that Allen faced but noted that a new direction could be exactly what the team needs.

 

“I think Dennis Allen is a great coach and he did the best he could with the circumstances he was given,” Brees explained. “But at the end of the day, sometimes a fresh perspective and a new leadership style are what a team needs to push forward. That’s why I believe Rex Ryan is the right choice for this job.”

 

### Brees’ Legacy and the Future of the Saints

 

While Brees made it clear that he is not involved in the decision-making process, his opinion carries weight with fans and pundits alike, given his long history with the Saints and his deep connection to the city of New Orleans. His legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history is firmly etched into the team’s history, and his endorsement of Ryan will likely lead to further discussion and debate among Saints fans and the media.

 

As for the future of the team, Brees remains optimistic. “There’s so much talent on this roster, especially on defense, and if they can get the right coach in place, I truly believe this team can be competitive again,” he said. “The fans here deserve a winner, and I think the right leadership can get them back to where they belong.”

 

While the search for the next head coach continues, Brees’ endorsement of Rex Ryan could help shape the direction of the Saints’ coaching search in the coming weeks. As the franchise looks to return to championship contention, it is clear that the right leadership will be crucial for their success moving forward.