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Who is Darren Rizzi? The New Orleans Saints interim head coach for the rest of the season

Who is Darren Rizzi? The New Orleans Saints interim head coach for the rest of the season

Darren Rizzi's NFL career and life

Darren Rizzi, at age 49, is a former American football coach. He currently serves as the special teams coordinator for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Rizzi was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He played college football at Nicholls State University, where he was a punter and placekicker. After graduating from Nicholls State, Rizzi began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He then spent three seasons as a special teams assistant with the New Orleans Saints before being promoted to special teams coordinator in 2006.

Rizzi has been the Saints' special teams coordinator for the past 16 seasons. He has helped the Saints become one of the most successful special teams units in the NFL. The Saints have ranked in the top 10 in special teams DVOA in each of the past 10 seasons. Rizzi has also coached several Pro Bowl special teams players, including punter Thomas Morstead and return specialist Darren Sproles.

Rizzi named interim head coach

On October 10, 2022, the New Orleans Saints fired head coach Dennis Allen after a 2-5 start to the season. Rizzi was named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Rizzi is the first special teams coordinator to be named an interim head coach in the NFL since 1989.

Rizzi's coaching philosophy

Rizzi is known for his aggressive and opportunistic approach to special teams. He is not afraid to take risks, and he is always looking for ways to gain an advantage. Rizzi is also a very passionate and enthusiastic coach. He loves the game of football, and he is always striving to get the most out of his players.