The 2023 NFL season proved to be a roller coaster ride for many teams, culminating in the dismissal of eight head coaches across the league. Now the wave of change began to affect other key positions within coaching staffs, with the New Orleans Saints’ offensive coordinator Doug Marrone among the latest casualties.
In his second stint with the Saints, Marrone found himself on the chopping block after the team got their Super Bowl LVIII dream dashed. The decision to part ways with Marrone set the stage for Klint Kubiak as a leading contender to fill the vacant role.
Saints part ways with Doug Marrone
The Saints have witnessed significant changes to their coaching staff after making headlines with the firing of offensive line coach Doug Marrone on Saturday. This move follows a series of departures that signal a notable shift in the team’s coaching dynamics.
Marrone’s exit was somewhat anticipated, considering Saints general manager Mickey Loomis had hinted at the possibility of the new offensive coordinator bringing in fresh personnel. Marrone rejoined the franchise in 2022, having previously served as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach from 2006 to 2008.
However, since his return, the Saints’ rushing performance has struggled, with fewer than 110 rushing yards per game and a ranking near the bottom of the NFL in rushing average.
During the 2023 season, the team’s rushing woes were evident, recording a meager 3.6 yards per carry, placing them 31st in the league, per SI.com. Marrone’s departure is part of a broader restructuring, with the Saints also parting ways with offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, wide receivers coach Kodi Burns and senior offensive assistant Bob Bicknell.
The coaching shake-up extends beyond dismissals, as running backs coach Joel Thomas left the team to assume the same position with the New York Giants.
Klint Kubiak named as potential Doug Marrone replacement
To revitalize their offense, the Saints have set their sights on Klint Kubiak to fill the role of offensive coordinator. The announcement of Doug Marrone’s departure comes hot on the heels of the Saints’ pursuit of Kubiak.
Kubiak’s potential appointment brings a fresh perspective to the Saints’ coaching staff, with the young coordinator poised to inject a unique level of knowledge and expertise into the team. Despite his relative youth, Kubiak boasts a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the league, which makes him a promising candidate for the role.
Under his leadership as offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings in 2021, the team’s offense made notable progress, achieving a respectable ranking of 12th in total offense. The Vikings’ passing offense showed some improvement under his guidance, ranking 11th, while their scoring offense also saw a slight boost, ranking 14th.
Following his stint with the Vikings, Kubiak embarked on a new chapter with the San Francisco 49ers as their passing-game coordinator. During his time with the 49ers, Kubiak played a key role in shaping the team’s dynamic passing attack, leading them to lead the NFL in yards per passing attempt and passer rating.
With Kubiak stepping in as offensive coordinator for the Saints, the team has some important coaching positions to fill. These include the roles of offensive line coach, wide receiver coach, and running back coach. Under Kubiak’s leadership, the Saints appear ready to transform their offensive strategies and bring about a fresh wave of triumph in the upcoming NFL season.
