Report: New Orleans Saints Almost Landed Arizona Cardinals Coach Klayton Adams

In a turn of events that would have added a new layer of intrigue to the NFL’s coaching landscape, reports suggest that the New Orleans Saints were on the verge of poaching Klayton Adams, the Arizona Cardinals’ highly regarded offensive line coach, before he ultimately accepted a position with the Dallas Cowboys. According to multiple sources, the Saints had expressed strong interest in bringing Adams to New Orleans to join their staff under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, but it was the Cowboys who ultimately secured his services.

Adams’ departure from Arizona marks a significant loss for the Cardinals, who had seen notable improvements in their offensive line play under his guidance despite challenges, such as injuries and inexperience within the unit. The move also further complicates the Saints’ search for talent as they continue to rebuild and refocus their roster following a disappointing 5-12 season.

Klayton Adams’ Impact on the Arizona Cardinals

Klayton Adams joined the Arizona Cardinals in 2023 as their offensive line coach, tasked with revitalizing a unit that had been plagued by inconsistency in previous years. Adams’ work immediately garnered attention for his ability to maximize the potential of his players despite the Cardinals’ offensive line facing numerous injuries and lineup changes throughout the season.

Under Adams’ tutelage, the offensive line improved in key areas such as pass protection and run blocking, allowing the team to establish a more balanced offensive attack. While the team’s overall performance was far from stellar, Adams was seen as a bright spot in an otherwise tumultuous period for the Cardinals.

His ability to coach up underperforming players and develop younger talent was a major factor in the Cardinals’ confidence in him. Even as the team struggled to maintain consistent performance, Adams’ coaching philosophy was evident in the progress the offensive line made throughout the season.

However, despite his success in Arizona, it seems that Adams’ time with the Cardinals was always at risk of being short-lived, as he became a highly sought-after candidate for coaching roles elsewhere.

The New Orleans Saints’ Pursuit of Klayton Adams

The Saints, coming off a disappointing 2024 season, were in need of an influx of talent and new perspectives to turn around their fortunes. After a rough season that saw them finish with a 5-12 record, many anticipated that the Saints would focus on rebuilding their offense in an effort to bounce back.

The Saints had already made significant moves to revamp their coaching staff, including the hiring of Kellen Moore as the team’s new offensive coordinator after he parted ways with the Los Angeles Chargers. Moore, a former NFL quarterback with a strong offensive mind, was brought in to guide New Orleans’ offensive unit and was expected to provide a much-needed boost to the team’s struggles on that side of the ball.

As part of their strategy to bolster the offensive line and overall offensive performance, the Saints set their sights on Adams, who was considered one of the top assistants in the NFL. With the team in need of fresh ideas and leadership, Adams was viewed as a key piece who could contribute to improving their offensive line, which had shown signs of struggle in recent seasons.

Reports indicate that Adams and the Saints had multiple discussions, and at one point, it seemed likely that he would make the move to New Orleans. However, as the hiring process dragged on, the Dallas Cowboys emerged as the more appealing destination, ultimately convincing Adams to join their coaching staff.

The Dallas Cowboys’ Influence in the Hiring Process

The Cowboys had been actively searching for an offensive coordinator after parting ways with former OC Kellen Moore, who left for the head coaching position with the Chargers. Despite the Saints’ interest, it became clear that the Cowboys were also keen on Adams, and they made him a priority in their search.

Adams reportedly had multiple interviews with the Cowboys, including an in-person meeting on Friday, before ultimately accepting the position. The Cowboys, under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, were looking for a fresh perspective and an offensive line coach who could continue to help develop their talented roster. In particular, they sought someone who could improve their offensive line’s performance, a unit that had faced difficulties in recent years but also had the potential to be a dominant force in the NFC.

For Adams, the decision to join the Cowboys was likely a result of a combination of factors, including the team’s roster depth, their competitive standing, and the opportunity to work with a new coaching staff. The Cowboys, with their playoff aspirations and potential for success, may have represented a more attractive landing spot for Adams compared to the Saints, who were in a state of transition after a disappointing season.

Challenges for the New Orleans Saints

For the Saints, Adams’ decision to join the Cowboys is just the latest setback in a series of challenges the team has faced as they attempt to find their footing in the post-Drew Brees era. Despite having a strong defensive unit, the Saints have struggled to find consistency on offense, particularly in the trenches. Their offensive line has been a point of concern for several years, and securing a coach like Adams was seen as a critical move to help improve that area.

With the Saints now facing another coaching vacancy on the offensive side of the ball, the team must once again pivot and search for a suitable candidate to fill the role. While Kellen Moore is a talented offensive mind, there is still work to be done in rebuilding the Saints’ offensive line and overall offensive philosophy. The loss of Adams may force the Saints to rethink their approach to improving their offensive line, especially as they enter an offseason with several critical roster decisions to make.

The Cardinals’ Coaching Shakeup

Adams’ departure from the Cardinals represents a key shift in head coach Jonathan Gannon’s staff. While Adams was highly regarded as one of the top assistants on the team, Gannon now faces the task of finding a replacement who can continue the work of improving the offensive line. The Cardinals will likely look to fill the role with someone who shares Adams’ focus on developing young talent and maximizing the potential of a group that has faced considerable challenges in recent seasons.

Given that the Cardinals are also in a rebuilding phase, much like the Saints, the team’s search for a new offensive line coach will be a critical piece of their effort to restore competitiveness. Gannon and the front office will likely prioritize candidates who can bring a strong developmental focus to the offensive line, as they work to solidify their foundation for the future.

A Glimpse Into the Future of the Saints and Cardinals

The loss of Klayton Adams to the Dallas Cowboys is a blow to both the Arizona Cardinals and the New Orleans Saints, but it also serves as a reminder of the highly competitive nature of the NFL coaching carousel. Both teams are in the midst of rebuilding efforts and face crucial decisions about how to approach the next few seasons.

For the Saints, finding a suitable offensive line coach will be vital to their success in the coming years. They will need to bolster their offensive line to provide better protection for whoever takes over the quarterback position, be it Derek Carr or another player. Given the challenges the team faced in 2024, Adams’ departure leaves the Saints with more questions to answer as they continue their quest to return to playoff contention.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals must now turn their attention to replacing Adams, who had been seen as a key piece in their efforts to revamp their offensive line. As the NFC West remains a competitive division, Arizona must continue to focus on developing their young talent, and the hiring of a new offensive line coach will be pivotal to their future success.

Conclusion

The NFL’s coaching carousel continues to spin, and the battle for talented assistants like Klayton Adams is a testament to the importance of coaching in shaping a team’s success. While the Saints may have missed out on Adams, their pursuit of other coaching talent will continue as they look to rebuild and restore competitiveness in the coming years. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ successful bid to land Adams shows their commitment to improving their offensive line and positioning themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. As the NFL offseason progresses, more moves and decisions will be made that will shape the league for years to come.