METAIRIE, La. — As the New Orleans Saints kicked off their first practice under interim head coach Darren Rizzi on Wednesday, players quickly noticed significant changes throughout the facility. Most notably, their lockers had been rearranged, and the usual warm-up routines were modified. In a bid to create a fresh atmosphere, players from the offense and defense donned different colored jerseys and conducted drills on the opposite end of the field than they had throughout the season.

“We want things to feel a little bit different,” Rizzi explained, having taken over the coaching role following the dismissal of Dennis Allen after a disappointing seven-game losing streak. “Just a different feel, different vibe. We had a major change at the top and just want it to feel a little different for everybody and want to keep everybody kind of on their toes and antenna up. That’s the thought process behind it, with a lot of things we’re doing,” he elaborated.

Rizzi, who previously served as the special teams coordinator, will maintain that role while also hiring Marwan Maalouf, a former NFL special teams coordinator, to assist with day-to-day operations. Additionally, he made alterations to the defensive staff in light of Allen’s exit, a move that has prompted a reshuffling of responsibilities. Todd Grantham, formerly in charge of the defensive line, is now acting as a senior adviser to defensive coordinator Joe Woods. Meanwhile, defensive assistant Brian Young has taken over the defensive line, working alongside linebackers coach Mike Hodges to improve the team’s run defense.

The offensive coaching staff, led by coordinator Klint Kubiak, has remained intact. This stability was one of the few constants on a day that otherwise emphasized change, aiming to channel a new energy as the team embarks on what they are treating like a new eight-game season.

Quarterback Derek Carr, who has experienced multiple coaching transitions during his time with the Raiders, acknowledged the need for change, stating, “It just has to be different.” Rizzi has encouraged players to mix things up, even suggesting they change their seating arrangements in meetings to foster new perspectives. “There has to be a new energy because you go however many in a row that hasn’t gone well,” Carr said. “It does feel different, and hopefully, it results in wins.”

Rizzi, who played college football as a tight end at the University of Rhode Island, transitioned to the NFL as the head coach at his alma mater before joining the Miami Dolphins in 2009 under Bill Parcells. Reflecting on his journey, Rizzi said, “That was the highlight of my career at that point in my life,” noting his long-time admiration for Parcells, who coached the New York Giants to a Super Bowl victory in 1986.

Since stepping into this new role, Rizzi has sought guidance from Parcells, as well as other NFL coaches such as Sean Payton of Denver and Dan Campbell of Detroit, both of whom have connections to his previous work in New Orleans. A long-time aspiration of Rizzi’s has been to lead an NFL team, although he expressed that he wished the opportunity arose under different circumstances. Nevertheless, he is determined to prove to general manager Mickey Loomis that he was the right choice for the job.

“I’m not going to sit here and lie to you; there’s a human element to it,” Rizzi shared, reflecting on the encouragement from his family and friends. “I’m ready for the challenge. I’m happy and proud to lead this organization,” he concluded.