JACKSON: Saints head coach candidate Weaver more than just ‘culture-builder’

(Photo courtesy of @FinsXtra on X)

By Ross Jackson

Head coaching searches are often ripe with cliches. The pursuit of the offensive genius, debates between offensively-minded and defensively-minded coaches, and musings of the benefits of a CEO-type leader are forever debated. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to leading an NFL team. That’s why New Orleans Saints head coach prospect and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver should be seen as a legitimate candidate and not just a formality. 

Yes, Weaver is a defensive coach, but coaching in the NFL is not often monolithic in representation. 

Defensive coaches like former New Orleans Saints coach Dennis Allen didn’t find success leading a team. However, a defensive mind like Dan Quinn, who took the CEO approach with the Washington Commanders, is about to play for a Super Bowl appearance. 

Offensive minds, like Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, changed the fabric of the game. Meanwhile, Brian Daboll’s New York Giants hold the No. 3 overall selection in the upcoming draft. 

A look at the Houston Texans and head coach DeMeco Ryans also challenges the narrative. As the defensive play caller for Houston, Ryans has commanded a rebuild in Houston that led to two consecutive 10-win seasons and AFC South championships. 

The bottom line is that a good coach will be a good coach, regardless of what side of the ball happens to be their focus. 

For Weaver, this is worth keeping in mind. As a defensive coordinator and minority candidate, he will be pigeonholed as a culture builder or as a coach with swagger and attitude. He will be marked for being tough and hard-nosed, the common evaluations of coaches in his specialization.

While some of those points may hold some truth, Weaver has earned significant praise for his ability to connect with players and value their feedback. High-level assessments fail to capture the full scope of what Weaver brings to the table. Evaluations of leadership should be more nuanced.

Defensive head coach candidates aren’t often celebrated for their scheme and football acumen, but Weaver’s resume deserves to be highlighted. 

In 2024, Miami ranked in the top-10 of almost every major defensive indicator for success. 

The former NFL defensive end’s group was the No. 10 scoring defense in the NFL in 2024. The unit also ranked No. 4 in total yards allowed, No. 9 in passing yards allowed, and No. 9 in rushing yards surrendered. 

His defense also finished with the sixth-lowest red zone touchdown percentage given up and was No. 5 in third down defense, allowing just 35.89% of third downs to be converted by other teams. 

The Dolphins generated the league’s thirteenth-highest pressure rate against opposing offenses, up from the Saints’ No. 21 ranking, per Next Gen Stats. 

Miami also allowed the second-fewest rushing yards (176) to opposing passers last year.

Many of these rankings are all improvements from the Dolphins’ 2023 team, which was pioneered by one of the best defensive coordinators in modern NFL history, Vic Fangio. 

It’s not all positive, of course. The Miami defense generated only 35 sacks in 2024 and finished with the league’s sixth-fewest takeaways with 16, just shy of the 17 takeaways registered by New Orleans. There is certainly room for improvement, but it is clear that Weaver has the scheme, mind, and ability to produce as a defensive head coach. 

While these numbers are all among those that prove Weaver has done a great job as a coordinator, his proven leadership, voice, and relationship with his players are just another layer of what will make him a good coach in the NFL. This should all be a part of his evaluation, not just the familiar platitudes.

“He coaches hard and loves big,” said Kyle Crabbs, host of Locked On Dolphins, when discussing player feedback on Weaver’s approach. 

Whether that opportunity comes this year with the Saints will be revealed in the weeks ahead. Regardless, Weaver has the qualities to be more than just a play caller—he has what it takes to be a head coach.