The NFL saw nine teams with head coaching openings this offseason.
The Houston Texans hiring Lovie Smith to lead their franchise means there is only one team left without a head coach.
That would be the New Orleans Saints.
🏈Bears: Matt Eberflus
🏈Broncos: Nathaniel Hackett
🏈Giants: Brian Daboll
🏈Raiders: Josh McDaniels
🏈Vikings: Kevin O’Connell
🏈Jaguars: Doug Pederson
🏈Dolphins: Mike McDaniel
🏈Texans: Lovie SmithStill left: Saints
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 7, 2022
The Saints are arguably the most surprising team on this list because of the abrupt retirement of Sean Payton.
Well, it was not a true retirement, but he still left the team while under contract.
New Orleans has a talented roster in place, with quarterback and head coach being the top two questions.
Landing a head coach first can help the franchise figure out its direction and plan in 2022.
So who are the candidates?
Saints Still Have Some Top Options
The Saints are connected to some big names in the head coaching search.
That includes former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has been a top name involved as well.
Only the Saints remain with a head coach opening as Brian Flores still has not been hired. Another minority hire, though, in the aftermath of Flores’ lawsuit. https://t.co/o8gAWx0PPD
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) February 7, 2022
Flores is easily the most intriguing option here and the Saints now know he is available after the Texans surprisingly went with Smith.
On his own merit, he is arguably the most qualified option.
However, his lawsuit against the NFL may be playing a factor into why he has not found a new job.
The Saints may want to stick with an offensive mind, which makes Bieniemy a favorite.
But if they want familiarity, Allen makes sense as he has been the team’s defensive coordinator since 2015.
He also served as head coach of the Oakland Raiders from 2012 until early in the 2014 season.
All he needs now is a second chance to prove himself.
The collective eyes of the NFL are now on the Saints as they end the drama that has been this year’s head coaching search.
NEXT: NFL World Reacts To The Lovie Smith News