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Kris Richard not returning as Saints' co-defensive coordinator

MOBILE, Ala. -- Kris Richard will not return as the New Orleans Saints' co-defensive coordinator, a source confirmed to ESPN.

The Saints will be looking for a new defensive coordinator for the 2023 season after losing Ryan Nielsen to the Atlanta Falcons last week.

The Saints were not allowed to block interviews for the two assistants because of their unique co-coordinator status, making Nielsen's hiring by the Falcons a promotion instead of a lateral move. The Carolina Panthers requested to interview Richard for their defensive coordinator position earlier in the month before Frank Reich was hired as head coach, and the Miami Dolphins also requested to interview him.