New Saints coach Dennis Allen addresses Michael Thomas situation

The New Orleans Saints promoted defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to head coach following Sean Payton’s decision to step away, leaving the long-time assistant the keys to the franchise. While Allen looks out at plenty positives over the past several days, he must now focus on all the issues which need resolved before the 2022 season.

Among the biggest storylines of the Saints disappointing 2021 season, wide receiver Michael Thomas and his injuries easily became the most controversial. After disputes between the two parties throughout the offseason, he missed the entire season and remains out after a delayed surgery.

Dennis Allen addressed Michael Thomas on WWL Radio shortly after his hiring became official. According to The Athletic’s Katherine Terrell, the new head coach knows his star receiver is “working extremely hard” to return from injury quickly. He also remains “really committed to the season” although there is no timetable for his return.

Michael Thomas is preparing for his seventh NFL season and first reporting directly to Dennis Allen, although he has only played in seven games over the past two years due to injuries. When healthy, he has proven to be one of the NFL’s top receivers, leading with league in receptions in two straight years in 2018 and 2019.

In his career, Thomas has 510 receptions for 5,950 yards and 32 touchdowns in 70 games. He reportedly expressed interest in a trade last season, but it remains unclear how he views his future with a new quarterback room and new coaching staff arriving since his last game action.

Saints hire offensive assistant

The New Orleans Saints will hire former Alabama offensive line coach Doug Marrone to a key role on the offensive staff, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport. Nola.com’s Jeff Duncan further reported that Dennis Allen could consider him as a coordinator, although the exact role remains unclear.

After joining long-time NFL head coaching rival Bill O’Brien on Alabama’s offensive staff in 2021, Nick Saban opted to go a different direction by hiring former Kentucky offensive line coach Eric Wolford to the same position.

Marrone was Alabama’s offensive line coach this season after six seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, including four as head coach. Marrone has a wealth of coaching experience, including head coaching stints at Syracuse and with the Buffalo Bills. He has also coached offensive line at Georgia, Georgia Tech and with the New York Jets over his career.

Jeff Duncan also reports that the Saints could add former offensive assistant John Morton, who also has coordinator experience, as the team looks to fill that role. The need comes after news that longtime offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael will remain with the team in a decreased role after the departure of Sean Payton.