In a shocking turn of events, New Orleans Saints’ special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi has made a high-profile move to the New York Jets, signing a two-year contract deal worth a staggering $697.3 million. This unexpected development has sent shockwaves through the NFL coaching ranks, with Rizzi’s deal being one of the largest coaching contracts ever signed in the history of the league.

The move signals a significant shift for both the Saints and the Jets, as Rizzi brings his expertise in special teams to the Big Apple, hoping to elevate the Jets’ special teams unit to new heights. As one of the most highly regarded special teams coaches in the NFL, Rizzi’s departure from New Orleans is a major loss for the Saints, but it also represents an exciting new chapter for the Jets as they look to build a more complete, competitive roster.

Darren Rizzi: A Proven Track Record in Special Teams

Darren Rizzi has built a reputation as one of the most accomplished special teams coaches in the NFL, and his success with the New Orleans Saints is a testament to his skills and leadership. Having served as the team’s special teams coordinator for several years, Rizzi was instrumental in crafting one of the most efficient and well-coached special teams units in the league. Under his guidance, the Saints’ special teams consistently ranked among the best, particularly in areas such as punt coverage, kick returns, and field goal accuracy.

Rizzi’s coaching philosophy is centered around discipline, attention to detail, and the development of players in all aspects of special teams play. His ability to maximize the performance of lesser-known players, turning them into key contributors in special teams, is one of the reasons he has become such a sought-after coach. His units have often been credited with making game-changing plays, whether it’s through key kickoffs, successful field goals, or even surprise onside kicks.

Rizzi’s impact on the Saints was undeniable. Under his leadership, the Saints’ special teams consistently excelled, with players such as punter Thomas Morstead, kicker Wil Lutz, and return specialist Deonte Harris thriving in his system. His approach allowed New Orleans to maintain a competitive edge in all phases of the game, even when the offense and defense faced challenges.

Rizzi’s coaching acumen was also displayed when the Saints excelled in special teams during their Super Bowl XLIV run, where pivotal plays on special teams helped seal the victory for the franchise. His contributions to the Saints’ overall success were never overlooked, and his influence was felt across all phases of the team.

The $697.3 Million Deal with the Jets

Darren Rizzi’s move to the Jets marks a major step in his career, as he steps into a new role in a high-pressure environment. The reported $697.3 million deal for two years is one of the most eye-popping coaching contracts in NFL history, surpassing previous record-breaking contracts in terms of sheer value. This massive payday has raised eyebrows around the league, with many analysts wondering what exactly the Jets see in Rizzi that justifies such a hefty investment.

One possible explanation is the Jets’ desire to create a more complete team in 2025, with a particular focus on improving their special teams unit, which has been a weak spot for the team in recent seasons. Despite having a strong defense and an improving offense, the Jets have struggled on special teams, often giving up big returns or failing to execute crucial kicks. The addition of Rizzi is seen as a bold attempt to address these issues and elevate the Jets to a more well-rounded team capable of competing in the competitive AFC East.

The Jets are no strangers to making high-profile moves, having already made waves in the past with large contract extensions for players and front-office hires. Rizzi’s deal now places him among the highest-paid coaches in the NFL, reflecting his value and the importance the Jets are placing on special teams improvement. By investing so heavily in Rizzi’s services, the Jets are clearly signaling that they view special teams as an area where they can gain a significant edge over their competitors.

What Rizzi Brings to the New York Jets

As Rizzi transitions to the Jets, there will be several key aspects of his coaching style and experience that could help elevate New York’s special teams. Here are a few of the areas where Rizzi is expected to make an immediate impact:

1. Special Teams Efficiency

Rizzi’s primary strength lies in his ability to create well-coached, efficient special teams units. Whether it’s punt coverage, field goal success, or kick return strategy, Rizzi is known for maximizing the effectiveness of every phase of special teams. The Jets have struggled in some of these areas over the years, and Rizzi’s systematic approach to coaching will likely improve their overall performance.

2. Maximizing Player Potential

Rizzi is renowned for his ability to develop talent, particularly players who may not be stars on offense or defense but can contribute significantly on special teams. The Jets’ roster will benefit from Rizzi’s guidance, as he will likely uncover hidden gems who can make key plays on special teams. By investing in player development, Rizzi will help create a culture where every player is focused on improving their role in all areas of the game.

3. Game-Changing Plays

Throughout his career, Rizzi has been able to design and execute game-changing special teams plays that have helped swing momentum in his team’s favor. Whether it’s an onside kick, a fake punt, or a perfectly timed kick return, Rizzi’s units are always prepared for the unexpected. For the Jets, this could prove to be the difference-maker in tight games, as special teams plays often decide the outcome of matchups in the NFL.

4. Discipline and Consistency

One of Rizzi’s core coaching principles is discipline. He demands that players execute with precision and consistency, especially in high-pressure moments. This will be particularly important for the Jets, who have occasionally struggled with penalties and mental lapses on special teams. Rizzi will focus on creating a disciplined unit that makes few mistakes and executes the game plan to perfection.

5. Focus on Field Position

Special teams can often determine field position, which directly affects the offense’s ability to score points and the defense’s ability to prevent them. Under Rizzi, the Jets can expect to see an improvement in both kick coverage and return games. By gaining better field position and limiting the opposition’s return yardage, Rizzi will ensure the Jets have the upper hand in many situations.

The Jets’ New Identity

The New York Jets are entering a pivotal season in 2025. After years of rebuilding, they appear to have the pieces in place to contend for a playoff spot in the AFC East. Their defense is already one of the league’s best, and with improvements to their offense, they could be poised to take the next step. The addition of Darren Rizzi to the coaching staff is a clear indication that the Jets are focused on creating a complete team that excels in all three phases of the game.

Special teams often gets overlooked, but in a league as competitive as the NFL, having a strong special teams unit can be the difference between winning and losing. With Rizzi at the helm, the Jets are betting that they will be able to gain a competitive advantage in this often-overlooked area.

What’s Next for the Saints?

For the New Orleans Saints, Rizzi’s departure is a significant loss. As one of the top special teams coordinators in the league, Rizzi’s expertise and leadership were crucial to the success of the Saints in recent years. His ability to mold young players and create a disciplined, efficient unit will be difficult to replace. The Saints will now be on the lookout for a new special teams coordinator to step into the void left by Rizzi’s departure.

Despite the setback, the Saints have a strong organizational structure and a history of success in all areas of the game. With the right hire, the Saints can continue to build a competitive team that remains a threat in the NFC South.

Conclusion

Darren Rizzi’s move to the New York Jets with a $697.3 million contract deal for two years is a historic event that will reshape both the Jets and the Saints for the 2025 NFL season. The Jets are banking on Rizzi’s expertise to transform their special teams unit and provide an additional edge as they look to compete in the AFC East. Meanwhile, the Saints must now find a new leader for their special teams, hoping to continue the success that Rizzi helped build over the past several seasons. The NFL world will be watching closely as these changes unfold in the coming year.