Saints to interview Christian Parker for defensive coordinator role

(Photo courtesy of @CornellNFL on X)

By Ross Jackson

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The New Orleans Saints are getting closer to hiring the coordinators that will work closely with new head coach Kellen Moore. Another name is being added to the defensive coordinator search list, and it’s another that matches what has seemingly been the Saints’ clear criteria for the role. 

Per SI’s Albert Breer, the Saints are expected to interview Philadelphia Eagles defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Christian Parker for their open defensive coordinator role. 

The interview is set to take place Sunday. Parker will join San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach Brandon Staley and Daronte Jones who hold the same roles as Parker with the Minnesota Vikings as the candidates for the job. Staley and Parker will both interview Sunday, while Jones interviewed Saturday. 

The criteria that all three candidates meet is clear. They are all either currently or at one time focused in the secondary and two of three have experience with Moore already. Finally, the trio also all have considerable experience in odd-front defenses. The Saints may truly be considering a shift to a 3-4 defense with this candidate pool. 

The defensive coordinator hire is likely the most important that Moore and the Saints will make among the three open coordinator spots. 

Parker has worked with numerous successful defensive backs in his time and has teamed up with Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in Philadelphia and with the Denver Broncos. A connection that both Parker and Staley share. 

With these three interviews scheduled or complete, the Saints are free to hire their preferred candidate immediately. The interviews of Parker and Jones will satisfy the NFL’s Rooney Rule, clearing all requirements for making a hire at the defensive coordinator position.