Darren Rizzi: The New Orleans Saints Interim Head Coach

Darren Rizzi's Early Life and Career

Darren Rizzi was born in 1972 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended Archbishop Rummel High School before playing college football at Louisiana State University (LSU). Rizzi was a four-year starter at LSU and was named an All-American as a senior. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the seventh round of the 1996 NFL Draft. Rizzi spent four seasons with the Saints as a backup quarterback before retiring in 2000. He then began his coaching career as a quarterbacks coach at LSU in 2001. Rizzi spent seven seasons at LSU before joining the Saints as their quarterbacks coach in 2008. He was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2013.

Darren Rizzi's Success as Offensive Coordinator

As offensive coordinator, Rizzi helped the Saints lead the NFL in total offense in 2013 and 2014. He also helped develop quarterback Drew Brees into one of the most prolific passers in NFL history. Brees set numerous NFL records under Rizzi's tutelage, including most passing yards in a single season (5,476 in 2011) and most career passing touchdowns (571).

Darren Rizzi's Interim Head Coaching Role

Sean Payton, the Saints' head coach since 2006, was suspended for the first six games of the 2012 season due to his involvement in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal. Rizzi served as interim head coach during Payton's suspension. The Saints went 3-3 under Rizzi's leadership, including a victory over the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants. When Payton returned from suspension, Rizzi resumed his role as offensive coordinator. However, he was once again thrust into the head coaching role in 2022 when Payton was fired following a disappointing 9-8 season.

Darren Rizzi's Challenges as Interim Head Coach

Rizzi faces several challenges as the Saints' interim head coach. The Saints have a number of key injuries, including quarterback Jameis Winston and wide receiver Michael Thomas. The team is also facing a difficult schedule, with games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, and Philadelphia Eagles still to come. Despite these challenges, Rizzi is confident that he can lead the Saints to success. He has a strong track record as an offensive coordinator, and he is well-respected by his players. Rizzi is also a New Orleans native, which gives him a deep understanding of the city and its football culture.

Conclusion

Darren Rizzi is a highly qualified and experienced coach who is well-prepared to lead the New Orleans Saints. He has a strong track record as an offensive coordinator, and he is well-respected by his players. Rizzi is also a New Orleans native, which gives him a deep understanding of the city and its football culture. While he faces several challenges as interim head coach, Rizzi is confident that he can lead the Saints to success.