Kris

Richard

Richard was promoted to co-defensive coordinator alongside Ryan Nielsen in 2022, but that only lasted one year as he was fired at the end of the season. Nielsen was hired as the Falcons defensive coordinator after the season while Nielsen did not find a job in the NFL. With Nielsen inked as the Jaguars’ next defensive coordinator, it makes sense for him to bring in Richard, who will obviously be familiar with the system he is bringing to Jacksonville. Richard previously held the title of defensive backs coach in New Orleans and could play a similar role for the Jags.

It’s been a big 24 hours for the Broncos DC job, as we’ve had Rex Ryan, Richard, and Vance Joseph interview for it. Ryan is still the favorite per Rapoport. Richard had not been interviewed since being fired by the Saints in February, and it’s more likely he’ll get a DB coach job if he stays in the league this season. Richard worked with Sean Payton in New Orleans for one season.

In addition to working as the team’s defensive backs coach, Richard also served as co-defensive coordinator alongside Ryan Nielsen, who was recently hired as the Falcons’ defensive coordinator. With both co-defensive coordinators now gone, the Saints will likely be in the market for a new defensive coordinator, in the near future. Richard was hired by the Saints in 2021 and spent one season under Sean Payton. His name will be one to watch as Payton looks to put together a staff after recently being hired as the Broncos’ head coach.

The Panthers have already been granted permission to interview former Saints head coach Sean Payton, so the interview with Richard could be nothing more than bringing in guys already comfortable with Payton. Still, Richard was named co-DC ahead of the 2022 season and has been with multiple coaching staffs since first joining the Seahawks as their assistant defensive backs coach in 2010. Since Richard joined the Saints in 2021, the team has allowed the 14th and second-fewest passing yards in each of the last two seasons.

Nielsen is being promoted from assistant head coach and DL coach as the duo will fill the void created by DC Dennis Allen taking the head-coaching job. Richard, 42, was the Seahawks’ DC from 2015-17 during the closing of the Legion of Boom era and will enter his second season in New Orleans after coming over from Dallas.

Indy will also talk to Cowboys secondary coach Joe Whitt and Saints DBs coach Kris Richard early this week. This interview would seem to confirm Bradley will not be staying on with the Raiders under new coach Josh McDaniels. The Raiders were fine on defense in 2021, but Bradley would be an uninspiring replacement for Matt Eberflus.

Richard has also been on the Steelers’ radar for the same role. With Sean Payton stepping away ahead of the 2022 season, Richard will likely be open to switching franchises as long as the front office gives the go-ahead. He was one of the hottest names during the 2020 offseason before Dallas’ defense crumbled under his watch.

The ex-Seahawks DC/de facto Cowboys DC, Richard spent 2020 out of the NFL. He has been coaching defensive backs in some capacity since 2010, learning the ropes under Pete Carroll. It’s a solid addition to a staff dealing with some turnover this offseason. Specifically, Richard is replacing Aaron Glenn, who was hired as Lions defensive coordinator.

Richard has been out of the league since Dallas moved on from him as their DB coach last offseason. He’s had contact from other head coaches about returning as a defensive coordinator, but the Raiders are his first known interest. Richard would be replacing Paul Guenther in Vegas.

Both players would have definitely been cut had they stayed with their respective teams. This gives them a shot at a roster spot.