Longtime Dolphins assistant joins Saints

The New Orleans Saints hired former longtime Miami Dolphins assistant coach Darren Rizzi — one of the most respected special teams coaches in the NFL — as their special teams coordinator on Monday.

Rizzi had served as the Dolphins’ special teams coach since 2009, working for four different head coaches in Tony Sparano, Joe Philbin, Dan Campbell and Adam Gase. He had been Miami’s assistant head coach since 2015, and interviewed for the head coaching position that eventually went to Brian Flores.

Flores hired Danny Crossman as his special teams coach. Crossman has spent 16 years in the NFL, serving as the special teams coordinator for the Carolina Panthers (2005-09), Detroit Lions (2010-12) and Buffalo Bills (2013-18).

Rizzi heads to New Orleans with 26 years of coaching experience, including a 10-season stint with the Dolphins from 2009-18.

Rizzi, whose special teams units have consistently been one of the best in the NFL, has shown a knack for bringing in and developing young talent at both punter, place kicker and return specialist. Over the past eight seasons, Rizzi’s units ranked first in the NFL with 11 blocked punts and second in the league with 22 total blocked kicks during that span. During his Dolphins tenure, three special teams players have been named to four Pro Bowls. He also coached five players to the NFL All-Rookie team in the past six years.

Rizzi won’t be the only former Dolphins member on the Saints staff. Former Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland is New Orleans’ assistant general manager and director of college scouting.

Campbell, who served as Miami’s interim head coach in 2012, is the Saints’ assistant head coach and tight ends coach. Former Dolphins defensive coordinator Mike Nolan coaches New Orleans’ linebackers.