New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator history
Joe Woods
Woods is the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints since the 2023 season.
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 | 9-8-0 | 52.9% | 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.