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New Orleans Saints Fire DC Brandon Staley Immediately After Crushing Loss to 49ers

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New Orleans, LA – September 15, 2025

The New Orleans Saints wasted no time making changes after a painful Week 2 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Moments after the final whistle, the team officially announced the firing of defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.
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The decision came just minutes after the Saints’ defense surrendered 26 points in regulation, including 10 in the fourth quarter. Although the offense battled to stay within reach with 21 points, the late defensive collapse sealed a 26–21 defeat — the Saints’ second straight loss after a 20–13 setback to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1.

In his first season with New Orleans, Staley faced heavy criticism for failing to slow Mac Jones and the 49ers, as well as for a string of recurring defensive errors since the start of the season. Fans erupted on social media, many calling for his ouster even before the game had ended.

Head coach Kellen Moore explained the move, saying the team needed a new voice on defense. “We have talent on the back end, but the execution hasn’t been good enough. At this level, results matter. We have to move forward quickly.”

The Saints entered the season optimistic about their defense, especially after hiring Staley in the offseason. But back-to-back defeats have erased what confidence remained in his leadership.

Assistant defensive backs coach Kris Richard is expected to serve as interim defensive coordinator as the Saints prepare for a difficult Week 3 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

For Saints fans, the move is a clear sign that leadership heard their frustration. For the players, it’s a reminder that patience runs out quickly when expectations aren’t

Raiders Reunite with a Former Starter to Fortify the Offensive Line
Las Vegas, NV   The Las Vegas Raiders have brought back a familiar face in a move that screams both urgency and savvy: versatile offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor is returning to the Silver & Black on a one-year deal (terms not disclosed), reuniting with the franchise where he logged some of the best football of his career and immediately fortifying a position group that has been stretched thin. Eluemunor, 31, started for the Raiders from 2021–2023, showing rare position flexibility across right tackle and guard while anchoring pass protection against premier edge rushers. His technique, anchor, and ability to handle long-arm power made him a steadying force during multiple playoff pushes. After departing Vegas, Eluemunor spent time elsewhere refining his craft, but a confluence of roster needs and scheme familiarity has set the stage for a timely homecoming. For the Raiders—fighting to keep pace in a rugged AFC—this is about stability and fit. Injuries and week-to-week availability on the right side of the line have forced constant shuffling; protection packages have leaned heavily on chips and condensed splits to survive obvious passing downs. Eluemunor’s return allows the staff to plug him at RT or slide him inside at RG, restoring balance to protections and widening the run-game menu (duo, inside zone, and the toss/ pin-pull that Vegas fans love when the edge is sealed). “Jermaine knows who we are and how we want to play,” a team source said. “He brings ballast. Assignment sound, physical, and smart—he raises the floor for the entire unit.” Beyond the X’s and O’s, there’s an unmistakable emotional charge to this reunion. Eluemunor was a locker-room favorite in his previous stint—professional, detail-driven, and accountable. The belief internally is that his presence stabilizes communication on the right side (IDs, slides, and pass-off rules vs. games and simulated pressures), which in turn unlocks more vertical concepts and keeps the quarterback cleaner late in games. On social media, Raider Nation lit up the timeline with a simple refrain: “Welcome back, Jem.” Many fans called the deal the exact kind of “rival-poach, ready-to-play” move a contender makes in October: low friction, high impact, zero learning curve. What it means on the field (immediately): Pass pro: Fewer emergency chips, more five-out releases—OC can re-open deeper intermediate shots without living in max-protect. Run game: Better edge control on toss/duo; more confidence running to the right on money downs. Depth & versatility: One injury doesn’t force a cascade of position changes; Eluemunor can cover two spots with starting-level competency. The timetable? Swift. Because Eluemunor already speaks the language—terminology, splits, cadence rules—he could suit up as early as this weekend if the medicals/check-ins continue to trend positive. The message is clear: the Raiders aren’t waiting around for the line to gel—they’re engineering it. If Jermaine Eluemunor plays to his Raider résumé, this reunion could be the precise mid-season jolt that steadies the offense and keeps the Silver & Black firmly in the postseason race. Raider Nation, the question writes itself: Plug-and-play stopgap—or the catalyst that reclaims the right side