The New Orleans Saints are set to welcome Rick Dennison back to coaching, as the seasoned coach emerges after a two-season hiatus from the league. Dennison will join the Saints as their run-game coordinator on offense, as reported by Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz. With an extensive background alongside Gary Kubiak and Mike Shanahan, key figures in the development of successful offensive schemes now embraced by coaches like Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay, Dennison, 65, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. While his days as an offensive coordinator may be behind him, Dennison’s decision to reunite with Klint Kubiak in the NFC South signals the type of offensive approach the Saints can expect under the new OC.
Dennison previously collaborated with both Kubiaks during his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings from 2019 to 2020, serving as the team’s offensive line coach and run-game coordinator before transitioning to a senior offensive assistant role in 2021. His longstanding partnership with Mike Shanahan stretches back to his time as an assistant during Shanahan’s tenure as head coach of the Denver Broncos, where Dennison played a significant role in molding successful offensive lines and aiding the production of multiple 1,000-yard rushers.
Following his stint in Denver, Dennison took on the role of offensive coordinator with the Houston Texans in 2010, reuniting with Gary Kubiak. Notably, Dennison contributed to Arian Foster’s rise to prominence, including a rushing title, during his time with the Texans. Dennison also boasts three Super Bowl rings from his time with the Broncos, earning his third as Gary Kubiak’s OC in 2015.
Dennison’s coaching journey saw a stop in Buffalo as well, where he served as the play-calling OC under Sean McDermott in 2017. However, his tenure with the Bills was short-lived, as he was relieved of his duties after one season. Despite some controversy surrounding his vaccination stance during the 2021 season, Dennison remains a respected figure in the coaching world.
In addition to Dennison, the Saints are also bringing aboard former Chargers assistant Derrick Foster as their running backs coach, as reported by Matt Zenitz of 247Sports.com. Furthermore, they have recently interviewed Keith Williams for the wide receivers coach position, per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.football. Williams, who served as the Ravens’ assistant wideouts coach last season, brings a diverse coaching background to the Saints, including experience with notable programs like Fresno State during Derek Carr’s collegiate years.
