New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator history

Joe Woods

Woods is the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints since the 2023 season, a total of two years.

Dennis Allen

Allen was the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in the 2016-2021 seasons, a total of six years. Allen's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 65-32-0, making him the second-most successful defensive coordinator in New Orleans Saints history. The team made it to the playoffs four times (2017-2020) and had a 3-4 record under Coach Allen in playoff games.

Rob Ryan

Ryan was the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in the 2013-2015 seasons, a total of three years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2013) and had a 1-1 record under Coach Ryan in playoff games.

Steve Spagnuolo

Spagnuolo was the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in the 2012 season.

Gregg Williams

Williams was the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in the 2009-2011 seasons, a total of three years. Williams' record as the team's defensive coordinator was 37-11-0, making him the most successful defensive coordinator in New Orleans Saints history. The team made it to the playoffs three times (2009-2011) and had a 4-2 record under Coach Williams in playoff games. In 2009, the New Orleans Saints faced off against the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV and the Saints, under the direction of head coach Sean Payton, won 31-17.

Gary Gibbs

Gibbs was the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in the 2006-2008 seasons, a total of three years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2006) and had a 1-1 record under Coach Gibbs in playoff games.

Rick Venturi

Venturi was the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in the 2002-2005 seasons, a total of four years.

Ron Zook

Zook was the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in the 2000-2001 seasons, a total of two years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2000) and had a 1-1 record under Coach Zook in playoff games.

Zaven Yaralian

Yaralian was the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in the 1997-1999 seasons, a total of three years.

Jim Haslett

Haslett was the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in the 1996 season. Haslett's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 3-13-0, making him the second-least successful defensive coordinator in New Orleans Saints history.

Monte Kiffin

Kiffin was the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in the 1995 season.

Steve Sidwell

Sidwell was the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in the 1986-1994 seasons, a total of nine years. Sidwell's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 83-59-0, making him the third-most successful defensive coordinator in New Orleans Saints history. The team made it to the playoffs four times (1987, 1990-1992) and had a 0-4 record under Coach Sidwell in playoff games.

Wade Phillips

Phillips was the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in the 1981-1985 seasons, a total of five years.

Ed Beard

Beard was the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in the 1980 season. Beard's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 1-15-0, making him the least successful defensive coordinator in New Orleans Saints history.

Paul Wiggin

Wiggin was the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in the 1978-1979 seasons, a total of two years.

Jerry Smith

Smith was the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in the 1969-1970 seasons, a total of two years.

Jack Faulkner

Faulkner was the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in the 1968-1969 seasons, a total of two years.

George Dickson

Dickson was the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in the 1967 season. Dickson's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 3-11-0, making him the third-least successful defensive coordinator in New Orleans Saints history.


New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator record

Coach Years Record Win percentage Playoff record
Joe Woods 2023-2024 13-16-0 44.8% 0-0
Dennis Allen 2016-2021 65-32-0 67.0% 3-4
Rob Ryan 2013-2015 22-20-0 52.4% 1-1
Steve Spagnuolo 2012 7-9-0 43.8% 0-0
Gregg Williams 2009-2011 37-11-0 77.1% 4-2
Gary Gibbs 2006-2008 25-23-0 52.1% 1-1
Rick Venturi 2002-2005 28-36-0 43.8% 0-0
Ron Zook 2000-2001 17-15-0 53.1% 1-1
Zaven Yaralian 1997-1999 15-33-0 31.3% 0-0
Jim Haslett 1996 3-13-0 18.8% 0-0
Monte Kiffin 1995 7-9-0 43.8% 0-0
Steve Sidwell 1986-1994 83-59-0 58.5% 0-4
Wade Phillips 1981-1985 28-45-0 38.4% 0-0
Ed Beard 1980 1-15-0 6.3% 0-0
Paul Wiggin 1978-1979 15-17-0 46.9% 0-0
Jerry Smith 1969-1970 7-20-1 26.8% 0-0
Jack Faulkner 1968-1969 9-18-1 33.9% 0-0
George Dickson 1967 3-11-0 21.4% 0-0

New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator facts

  • George Dickson was the first defensive coordinator in Saints history in 1967.
  • Steve Sidwell coached the most seasons as the Saints's defensive coordinator at nine seasons.
  • Joe Woods is the current defensive coordinator, starting ahead of the 2023 season.