Saints assistant coach Michael Hodges nois set to leave the team after accepting an opportunity to join the Cincinnati Bengals’ coaching staff. Hodges, who has been with the Saints since 2017, will be taking on a new role as the Bengals’ linebackers coach.
Hodges’ departure marks the end of an impactful tenure with New Orleans, where he earned a reputation as a key contributor to the team’s defense. Initially brought in as a defensive assistant, Hodges’ role evolved over time. Most recently, he served as the inside linebackers coach for the Saints, a position he held since 2021. Under his guidance, the Saints’ linebackers showed marked improvement, and several players, including Demario Davis, flourished in their respective roles.
The Saints’ defense, long regarded as one of the stronger units in the NFL, benefited greatly from Hodges’ attention to detail, player development, and coaching expertise. Davis, who has been the heart and soul of New Orleans’ linebacker corps, consistently praised Hodges for his ability to elevate the play of the entire unit. In addition, Hodges played a role in developing young talents, helping them grow into key contributors on the field.
While Hodges’ time in New Orleans was relatively brief in the grand scheme, his influence on the team’s defense was undeniable. His move to Cincinnati represents an exciting career opportunity, as he joins a Bengals team that is emerging as a strong contender in the AFC. The Bengals are coming off a successful season that saw them advance to the AFC Championship, and Hodges’ expertise will be an important addition to their coaching staff as they look to build on their recent success.
The Bengals’ decision to hire Hodges is seen as a strategic one, as they aim to strengthen their defense and continue to compete for Super Bowl contention in the coming seasons. For Hodges, it presents an opportunity to work with a talented roster and help mold a young linebacking corps.
The Saints, meanwhile, will now look to fill the vacancy left by Hodges. With the 2025 season approaching, head coach Dennis Allen will have to find a coach who can maintain the high standard set by Hodges and continue the team’s defensive success. The search for a new linebackers coach will be one of the key priorities for the Saints in the coming months as they prepare for the offseason.
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