Saints Add Cal Defensive Coordinator to Coaching Staff
The New Orleans Saints continue to build their defensive coaching staff, with the latest addition being Cal defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon, who will serve as the team’s linebackers coach. This marks the second college hire for the Saints’ defense, following the recent addition of Texas assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator Terry Joseph.
Sirmon’s hiring aligns with the Saints’ apparent strategy of bringing in college-level coaches, a trend noted by NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The team even interviewed college candidates for their defensive coordinator position before ultimately hiring Brandon Staley. Now, with Staley in place, the Saints are reinforcing their defensive staff with experienced college coaches.
A former NFL linebacker for the Tennessee Titans, Sirmon has spent most of his coaching career working with linebackers. While Cal’s overall defensive performance under his leadership was inconsistent, focusing solely on linebackers in New Orleans could allow him to maximize his strengths.
Beyond his coaching expertise, Sirmon also brings valuable recruiting experience from the college ranks. His ability to connect with and motivate players will be beneficial in not only developing the Saints’ current linebackers but also in attracting free agents. Similarly, Joseph’s recruiting background could help the team build a stronger roster.
There are also ties between the new hires and the existing Saints staff. Sirmon and Joseph previously worked together at Tennessee from 2010 to 2011. Although Staley never coached alongside them, he did spend time at Tennessee in 2012, just after both had moved on to new roles. Additionally, there could be an undisclosed link between Sirmon and new Saints head coach Kellen Moore.
As the Saints finalize their coaching staff, the addition of Sirmon reflects a clear emphasis on bringing in experienced college coaches who can contribute both in player development and recruitment.
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