Report: Saints request interviews with Bucs' Leftwich, Lions' Glenn

The New Orleans Saints are kicking off their first coaching search since 2006.

The Saints requested to interview Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

New Orleans also asked permission to meet with Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who left the organization for the Lions last year, according to The MMQB's Albert Breer.

Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is also a candidate to succeed Sean Payton, Schefter added.

Leftwich is one of the finalists for the Jacksonville Jaguars' coaching vacancy and is in prime position for the job after Nathaniel Hackett and Matt Eberflus, the other top contenders, took roles with the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears, respectively.

The Bucs assistant has helped transform the team's offense into one of the NFL's best since taking over in 2019.

Tampa Bay finished third in scoring with Jameis Winston under center in Leftwich's first campaign, and the club did so again with Tom Brady in 2020 before ranking second in both points and yards in 2021.

Glenn, a former cornerback, spent four seasons as New Orleans' defensive backs coach before taking the job in Detroit under Dan Campbell.

The Lions' injury-ravaged defense struggled this campaign, finishing 31st in points allowed and 29th in yards allowed.

Payton retired Tuesday after leading the Saints for 15 seasons.

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