Phil Galiano, a seasoned coach with a long history in the NFL and college football, has been promoted to Special Teams Coordinator for the New Orleans Saints. Galiano has been with the Saints since 2019, serving as an assistant coach within their special teams department. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the 47-year-old will now take over the role previously held by Darren Rizzi. Rizzi recently departed New Orleans to join the Denver Broncos as part of Sean Payton’s coaching staff, after briefly serving as the Saints’ interim head coach following the mid-season firing of Dennis Allen.
Galiano’s coaching career spans several high-profile positions. Before joining the Saints, he served as the assistant special teams coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2012 to 2013. His time in Tampa Bay was under head coach Greg Schiano, with whom he also worked at Rutgers University, both in college and during the NFL tenure.
In addition to his work with the Bucs, Galiano has had stints with the Miami Dolphins and several college programs dating back to 2000. His diverse coaching experience and strong reputation within the special teams unit made him a logical candidate for the promotion to coordinator.
This shift comes amidst significant changes for the Saints, with Kellen Moore being named the new head coach. Moore’s tenure in Philadelphia ended with the Eagles’ commanding 44-20 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. As part of his overhaul, Moore will also be bringing in Doug Nussmeier as offensive coordinator to join his new staff.
With these developments, Galiano’s elevation to special teams coordinator marks a new chapter in his career, and he will be tasked with continuing to build on the Saints’ special teams success.