Saints fire OC Carmichael after 15 seasons in role

The New Orleans Saints fired offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, the team announced Tuesday.

Carmichael has been the Saints' OC since 2009 and part of the coaching staff since 2006.

The 52-year-old came to the NFC South club with former head coach Sean Payton as the quarterbacks coach and was promoted three years later.

Carmichael retained his position when Payton stepped down following the 2021 season and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen took over as coach.

While Payton was the play-caller during his tenure, Carmichael was part of a record-breaking offense with future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees under center. The Saints finished as a top-10 scoring offense 13 times and a top-five unit on 10 occasions in 16 seasons.

New Orleans' offense struggled in 2022, finishing 22nd in points per game and 19th in yards per game. Carmichael's group bounced back in 2023 to rank ninth in points, but the 9-8 Saints still missed the playoffs.

New Orleans also dismissed senior offensive assistant Bob Bicknell and wide receivers coach Kodi Burns on Tuesday.

"I would like to thank Pete, Bob, and Kodi for their service to the New Orleans Saints and to this coaching staff," said Allen. "These types of decisions are never easy to come to, but are necessary as we move forward.

"I would especially like to thank Pete for his contributions to this staff for 18 seasons. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the job he has done and as a colleague."

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