That didn’t take long. Jeff Duncan reports for the Times-Picayune | Advocate that ex-New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael is joining Sean Payton’s coaching staff on the Denver Broncos, though his exact role is unknown; expect Carmichael to carry some sort of senior assistant title and get back to what he did best in New Orleans while drawing up plays behind the scenes.
Carmichael was let go after an 18-year run with the Saints, having spent most of that time as Payton’s offensive coordinator. He only rarely called plays and struggled in that role the last two years after Payton left the team. Now he’s going to Denver for a reunion with Payton and former coworkers including Zach Strief, Mike Westhoff, Joe Vitt, John Morton, and Joe Lombardi, among others.
It’s hardly surprising that Carmichael is teaming up with Payton. They’ve worked well together before. They’re also facing a tough task in getting the Broncos offense up to snuff, with or without Russell Wilson at quarterback. Odds are Carmichael won’t be the last former Saints coach or player to go out West and reunite with Payton. The Broncos are scheduled to play a road game in New Orleans in 2024, so stay tuned for that dramatic matchup at the Caesars Superdome.
