Following a disappointing 2023 season, the New Orleans Saints are under pressure to win this season. One coach can save the Saints.
The New Orleans Saints failed to meet expectations in 2023 despite acquiring important offensive additions. They have pressure to make a playoff push in 2024. This coach can salvage the Saints.
Klint Kubiak is the coach who can turn the New Orleans Saints’ fortunes around.
First and foremost, Kubiak enters a favorable scenario in New Orleans. The drawback is that the Saints have consistently underperformed in recent years. Last season, Pete Carmichael built a straightforward offense around Derek Carr. Carmichael began last season as the NFL’s longest-tenured coordinator, raising concerns about his ability to produce a new approach. Ultimately, Carmichael was unable to elevate the offense around Carr. The Saints weren’t horrible; they just weren’t particularly excellent. The offense had the third-lowest turnover rate (according to Pro Football Reference). However, Carr has failed to lead a single fourth-quarter comeback this season. The running game was poor and failed to produce huge plays.
Carr’s offensive troubles can be linked to his adjustment to a new system. However, they fell short of their potential. Alvin Kamara was underutilized as a pure rusher, receiving more than 20 carries in just one game (according to ESPN figures). Kamara is one of the Saints’ top weapons, and Kubiak’s success as offensive coordinator will depend on finding opportunities for him. New Orleans is also considering Chris Olave, a young receiver with star potential. Olave would benefit from A.T. Perry continuing on a solid debut season. Perry excels as a ball-winner in the red zone. He was also quite productive last season, turning catches into first downs (per NewOrleansSaints.com).
If Perry can establish himself as a consistent playmaker, the Saints offense has a chance to significantly improve.
What Kubiak brings to the table:
Klint Kubiak is from a football family. Gary, his father, was instrumental in developing new offenses during his time in the NFL. Klint most recently served as the San Francisco 49ers’ passing game coordinator, assisting Brock Purdy and the offense in winning multiple awards. The ability to work with quarterbacks is invaluable in the NFL. Kubiak returns to New Orleans with the goal of restoring Carr to the heights of his playing career with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Before joining the San Francisco 49ers, Kubiak was the Denver Broncos’ passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach in 2022. While the 2022 season was a significant disappointment in Denver, Kubiak’s experience at previous stops should prepare him for the role of offensive coordinator. Kubiak, who has most recently worked with Russell Wilson and Purdy, should be able to identify methods to capitalize on Carr’s strongest strengths as a passer. While Carr is years off from his MVP-level season in 2016, the quarterback still has a good arm and has managed to avoid turnovers. But he enters 2024 as a quarterback with much to prove.
The offense does not need to make significant improvements to become a top-ten unit, but it does require more productivity from Carr and the offensive weapons. The NFC South is likely the most open division in the entire NFL. Given how much the franchise has invested in Carr, it is time for the Saints to take advantage of their opportunity and return to NFC contention. Kubiak is the coach who can lead them there.
