Payton's Posse

If he were a cast member on Grey’s Anatomy, they’d call him McFeisty. Coach Sean Payton earned his title as Coach of the Year not just by leading the Saints to their first NFC Championship appearance but earning the respect the fans and his team. We fell in love with him due largely to his knack for getting in the player’s faces when they seemed to be exhibiting an Aaron Brooks-like IQ. But when it came to strategizing that high-power offense, Payton didn’t pull it all off alone. Today the Chicks salute the men behind the man. (And not in a gay way…not that there’s anything wrong with that…)


Doug Marrone – Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line

Doug Marrone’s first year as Offensive Coordinator was solid gold. The Saints were the #1 offense in the NFL for the first time in team history in 2006. Drew Brees threw for over 4,000 yards which was another team first with a league-high 4,418. Reggie Bush set an NFL record for a rookie running back with 88 catches. And Reggie and Marques Colston combined for their rookie duet record of 158 receptions. In addition to the high level of production and success at the skill positions, Marrone orchestrated a fusion of five new starters on the front line. Jammal Brown, Jahri Evans, Jon Stinchcomb, Jamar Nesbit and Jeff Faine, dubbed The O-Jays, meshed quickly under Marrone’s guidance and gave stellar protection allowing Brees to regularly find an open man. Marrone is considered a strong candidate for a future NFL head coaching position. Saints fans want him to stay right here with us so our offense continues to top the charts for years to come.


Joe Lombardi – Offensive Assistant

He may be a new kid on the block with the Saints’ staff but Joe Lombardi’s got a lifelong connection to NFL greatness. The trophy awarded to the team that wins the Super Bowl is named for his grandfather and football legend, Vince Lombardi. Joe Lombardi played tight end at the United States Air Force Academy and after serving his required four years in the military, the football blood in his veins took over. He recognized that he missed football and decided to pursue a career in coaching. He gained experience coaching offense and defense in his stints with Mercyhurst College, the XFL New York/New Jersey Hitmen, Virginia Military Institute and the University of Dayton. Lombardi’s first NFL coaching gig was last year in Atlanta as a defensive assistant. If the other coaches can forgive him for his short time with the Dirty Birds, we can too! His duties with the Saints include: working with the offense and the quarterbacks and during games he keeps a close eye on opponents' pass coverages from the press box.


Gary Gibbs – Defensive Coordinator

When Sean Payton got the call to take over the 3-13 New Orleans Saints, Gary Gibbs got the nod from Payton. They worked together as part of the Dallas Cowboys coaching squad under Bill Parcells. With Payton in control of the offensive magic, he knew he needed Gibbs to handle the defensive sorcery. Gibbs’ scheming made it possible for the Saints to surrender 17 points or less in half of their regular season games and they gave up 76 points fewer than the year before. The Saints D had 38 sacks and 10 players recorded over 50 tackles. Hopes are high that with the additions of Dhani Jones, Kendrick Clancy, Kevin Kaesviharn and Jason David, Gibbs can keep the defensive mojo working all through the 2007 season and into the playoffs.


Marion Hobby – Defensive Line

In 2006, Marion Hobby was a rookie with the Saints and as an NFL coach. He quickly proved himself by making the Saints’ front four a highly disruptive force to opposing offenses. Defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant along with tackles Hollis Thomas and Brian Young were key components in the team’s second place finish in the NFC in fewest first downs allowed (262) and sixth in the league in third-down efficiency allowed (34.7). Will Smith was voted into the Pro Bowl after his standout season thanks in part to his 10.5 sacks; the first defensive end from the Saints to be so honored since 2000. Hobby played three seasons in the early 90’s for the New England Patriots and perfected his coaching technique at colleges all over the South including University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Tennessee, Mississippi and Clemson.


Joe Vitt – Assistant Head Coach/Linebackers

Joe Vitt is the wise man on the Saints staff after being a coach in the NFL for 28 years. He realized that the players and coaches needed to put the success of 2006 behind them. He suggested a jazz funeral so that the group could send out the previous season New Orleans-style and then turn their collective focus to the challenges awaiting them in the new season. Joe Vitt heads into 2007 with his linebacker corps intact. Scott Fujita, Scott Shanle and Mark Simoneau were all new additions to the roster last year. Vitt’s experience and influence helped them become a stalwart and speedy unit that consistently made big plays at crucial moments in key games. The trio made 8.5 sacks and 309 tackles, caught 3 interceptions and forced 3 fumbles. While in Canton for the first preseason game, Vitt brought his linebackers together in the NFL Hall of Fame for a group photo under the bust of linebacking great, Dick Butkus. Vitt’s got a feel for the past but his eye is on the future of a Saints’ team poised for another successful season.