NFL
Breaking News: New Orleans Saints Head Coach Darren Rizzi Announces Sudden Resignation.
Breaking News: New Orleans Saints Head Coach Darren Rizzi Announces Sudden Resignation.
New Orleans, LA — In an unexpected turn of events, Darren Rizzi, head coach of the New Orleans Saints, announced his resignation earlier today, leaving the football world stunned. The announcement comes as a shock to fans and team personnel alike, as Rizzi had only taken on the head coaching role this offseason after a career as a special teams coordinator in the NFL.
Rizzi, 49, who had been with the Saints organization for several seasons as the special teams coordinator, was promoted to head coach in January 2024, following the departure of longtime head coach Dennis Allen. Rizzi’s sudden exit raises a host of questions about the team’s future direction, leaving the Saints organization in a state of uncertainty heading into the crucial final stretch of the season.
In a brief statement released this morning, Rizzi explained his decision to step down:
*”After careful consideration and with deep respect for the Saints organization, I have made the difficult decision to resign as head coach. This was not an easy choice, but after reflecting on both personal and professional matters, I believe this is the best step for both myself and the team. I want to thank the players, coaches, and the entire Saints community for their support during my time here.”*
The nature of Rizzi’s resignation remains unclear. Sources within the organization have indicated that the decision may have been driven by personal reasons or internal team dynamics, but no official statement has confirmed this yet. Rumors regarding disagreements with upper management or differences in vision for the team’s future have swirled, but as of now, these remain unsubstantiated.
Rizzi’s resignation comes at a critical juncture for the Saints, who have had a mixed start to the season. While the team showed promise early on, inconsistent play and mounting challenges on both sides of the ball have put the pressure on the coaching staff. Rizzi had been praised for his leadership and strategic mind, particularly his success in building a special teams unit that was among the league’s best in recent years.
The Saints front office, led by general manager Mickey Loomis, has yet to name an interim coach, but speculation is rife about potential candidates. Defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael are expected to be among the leading names to take over in the short term. Given the team’s 5-4 record so far this season, the Saints must act quickly to stabilize the situation and avoid further disruption to their playoff aspirations.
The resignation marks the latest in a series of high-profile coaching changes for the Saints, who have been in transition since the retirement of legendary coach Sean Payton in 2022. The organization will now have to navigate yet another coaching search as it looks to build a competitive squad for the future.
Fans of the Saints are left with more questions than answers as they await further updates from the team’s front office. For now, the only certainty is that the New Orleans Saints are once again in uncharted waters, and their next steps will be crucial to the team’s long-term success.
NFL
“I need him in my team or I…….” Saints Interim Coach Darren Rizzi Urges Owner Gayle Benson to Sign Former Detroit Lions 5-Star Receiver to Elevate Team to Greater Success
“I need him in my team or I…….” Saints Interim Coach Darren Rizzi Urges Owner Gayle Benson to Sign Former Detroit Lions 5-Star Receiver to Elevate Team to Greater Success
In a dramatic move amidst the Saints’ difficult season, interim head coach Darren Rizzi has reportedly made a direct appeal to team owner Gayle Benson, urging her to sign a former Detroit Lions 5-star wide receiver to bolster New Orleans’ offense.
The Saints have struggled this year, sitting near the bottom of the NFC standings and battling injuries, leading Rizzi to make this bold request to secure a key player to rejuvenate the team’s prospects.
Rizzi, who stepped into the interim head coach role following Dennis Allen’s firing after a 2-7 start, has been vocal about the need for impactful additions to the squad
With the team facing a lack of consistency and a sputtering offense, adding a high-caliber wide receiver is seen as a potential game-changer, especially in a season where wide receiver performance has not met expectations.
The former Lions wide receiver, praised for his elite skills and strong potential, would provide an immediate upgrade opposite the team’s current playmakers. Rizzi, familiar with the intricacies of building a competitive squad as the Saints’ special teams coordinator, believes that acquiring this player is a necessary move to help take the Saints to the next level
Rizzi’s appeal reflects not only his desire to turn the team’s fortunes around but also an urgency to improve the offense in a rapidly changing NFC landscape. The addition would complement quarterback Derek Carr and the Saints’ current offensive weapons, offering the team a much-needed boost as they attempt to remain relevant in a challenging playoff race. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting Benson’s response to Rizzi’s request, as her decision could have significant implications for the future direction of the franchise.
NFL
SAINTS’ NEWS: “I love his kind of energy, he is a good example for others to follow” Saints owner Gayle Benson congratulates TE Taysom Hill
SAINTS’ NEWS: “I love his kind of energy, he is a good example for others to follow” Saints owner Gayle Benson congratulates TE Taysom Hill as he becomes the NFC offensive player of the week….
New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson has praised tight end Taysom Hill after his impressive performance earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Hill’s standout play has not only impressed his teammates and coaching staff but has also caught the attention of Benson, who recognized his significant contribution to the team’s success.
In a statement, Benson expressed her admiration for Hill’s energy and leadership on and off the field. “I love his kind of energy,” Benson said. “He is a great example for others to follow.” Hill’s versatility and work ethic have made him a key figure in the Saints’ offense, and his performance this past week showcased his ability to step up in crucial moments.
Benson also took the opportunity to reward Hill’s hard work by officially increasing his bonus, a gesture that highlights both the player’s dedication and the team’s recognition of his efforts. Hill’s dynamic skill set, including his ability to line up as a quarterback, tight end, and special teams contributor, has made him an invaluable asset to the Saints.
Hill’s NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor comes after a standout game in which he contributed multiple touchdowns and showcased his trademark determination. His ability to make plays in various positions has helped propel the Saints into playoff contention, and the recognition from Benson serves as a testament to his impact on the team.
As the season progresses, Hill will continue to be a key player for New Orleans, and with his bonus increase and ongoing support from the organization, it’s clear that his efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Saints are hopeful that Hill’s strong performances will help lead them to further success as they chase a spot in the postseason.
NFL
BREAKING: Miami Hurricanes Locks in Head Coach Mario Cristobal with Groundbreaking 8-Year, $79 Million Contract
BREAKING: Miami Hurricanes Locks in Head Coach Mario Cristobal with Groundbreaking 8-Year, $79 Million Contract Featuring $2 Million Annual Retention Bonus Through 2032 to
Miami Hurricanes football coach Mario Cristobal got paid record amount in 2022
The University of Miami (Fla.) paid football coach Mario Cristobal $22.7 million in 2022, including $7.7 million in base pay and $14.9 million in “other reportable compensation,” according to a federal tax form released by the university Tuesday to USA TODAY sports.
This is the largest-ever, single-year amount for an athletics department employee on a tax form by a private university, according to USA TODAY Sports research. The university did not go into further detail about why he was paid that much except that it paid “gross-up payments” to Cristobal and others — payments that cover income taxes so that the recipient receives a set amount of pay.
Miami athletic director Dan Radakovich confirmed to USA TODAY Sports Wednesday that the $14.9 million in “other” pay for Cristobal included the $9 million buyout he owed to Oregon for breaking his coaching contract there to return to Miami, his alma mater. The gross-up pay on that accounts for the rest of the “other” pay, he said.
How Mario Cristobal compares to others on these forms
Cristobal, 53, went 5-7 in 2022 after being hired away from the Ducks in December 2021. The tax form covers his calendar-year pay in 2022 and was made publicly available for the first time this week.
By comparison, the highest single year of pay for a private university president was only slightly more — $22.8 million for former University of Pennsylvania president Amy Gutmann in 2021, according to data from the Chronicle of Higher Education. But about 89% of that came from deferred compensation set aside over the course of her 18-year tenure, the Chronicle reported.
In athletics, the previous single-year high for a private university was $17.2 million in 2021 for TCU football coach Gary Patterson after he parted ways with the university that year.
How Mario Cristobal’s pay compares to others at Miami
As private universities, these schools are not required to disclose employment contracts under public-records laws. But they are required to file a tax return as non-profit institutions, which provides some information about certain employees’ pay, including that of its highest paid employees.
The high pay also means the university will take a tax hit in the form of a 21% excise tax on compensation above $1 million that goes to any of a private non-profit universities five highest-paid employees in a year.
The same form lists university president Julio Frenk’s pay at $1.3 million in 2022. Men’s basketball coach Jim Larranaga earned $2.6 million that year and Radakovich got $1.9 million.
Cristobal is entering his third season with the Hurricanes after finishing 7-6 last season. He replaced Manny Diaz, who was fired in 2021, but is not listed on the form as receiving reportable compensation in 2022.
The university didn’t immediatley respond to a request for comment.
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