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		<title>GridironFans.com - SAINTS News</title>
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			<title>GridironFans.com - SAINTS News</title>
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			<title>Saints Hire Andre Curtis As Assistant Secondary Coach</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181413</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:55:44 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[In another move to plug a coaching staff hole, the New Orleans Saints announced Tuesday that Andre Curtis had been hired as the new assistant secondary coach. Curtis becomes the third new member of Coach Sean Payton's staff since the end of the 2011 season. Curtis joins the New Orleans staff after serving as defensive backs/safeties coach with the Rams from 2009-2011. Prior to that, Curtis spent three seasons as a defensive quality control coach with the New York Giants from 2006-08. The Beaverdam, Va. native came to the NFL in 2006, following a six-year college coaching career, two seasons at Georgia Southern as defensive ends coach and four at his alma mater, Virginia Military Institute, where he was a four-year letterman as a linebacker from 1996-99.

Source: The Times Picayune (http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/02/new_orleans_saints_hire_andre.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[In another move to plug a coaching staff hole, the New Orleans Saints announced Tuesday that Andre Curtis had been hired as the new assistant secondary coach. Curtis becomes the third new member of Coach Sean Payton's staff since the end of the 2011 season. Curtis joins the New Orleans staff after serving as defensive backs/safeties coach with the Rams from 2009-2011. Prior to that, Curtis spent three seasons as a defensive quality control coach with the New York Giants from 2006-08. The Beaverdam, Va. native came to the NFL in 2006, following a six-year college coaching career, two seasons at Georgia Southern as defensive ends coach and four at his alma mater, Virginia Military Institute, where he was a four-year letterman as a linebacker from 1996-99.<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/02/new_orleans_saints_hire_andre.html" target="_blank">The Times Picayune</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>NFL Announces 2012 Hall Of Fame Class</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181214</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:21:33 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame class was announced Saturday night, and it was nearly as notable for who wasn't elected than who was. DB Jack Butler, C Dermontti Dawson, DE Chris Doleman, DT Cortez Kennedy, RB Curtis Martin and T Willie Roaf were all selected for enshrinement this summer in Canton, Ohio. Among those who will have to wait at least another year are Head Coach Bill Parcells, RB Jerome Bettis, WR Cris Carter, WR Andre Reed and DE/OLB Charles Haley.

Source: USA Today (http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2012/02/dermontti-dawson-curtis-martin-lead-six-man-pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-bettis-haley-parcells-shut-out/1)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame class was announced Saturday night, and it was nearly as notable for who wasn't elected than who was. DB Jack Butler, C Dermontti Dawson, DE Chris Doleman, DT Cortez Kennedy, RB Curtis Martin and T Willie Roaf were all selected for enshrinement this summer in Canton, Ohio. Among those who will have to wait at least another year are Head Coach Bill Parcells, RB Jerome Bettis, WR Cris Carter, WR Andre Reed and DE/OLB Charles Haley.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b><a href="http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2012/02/dermontti-dawson-curtis-martin-lead-six-man-pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-bettis-haley-parcells-shut-out/1" target="_blank"> USA Today</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Saints QB Drew Brees Named AP's NFL Offensive Player Of The Year]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181225</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Feb 2012 01:01:02 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been named the 2011 Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year. Brees set an NFL single-season records with 5,476 passing yards, 468 completions and a 71.2 percent completion percentage in 2011. Brees also led the NFL with 46 touchdown passes and was second in the NFL with a 110.6 passer rating in leading the Saints to a 13-3 record and an NFC South title. In two post-season, Brees completed 68.9 percent of 106 pass attempts for 928 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions. Brees received 43 of the 50 votes, with Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers receiving the final seven votes. 

Source: Mac's Football Blog (http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/saints-qb-drew-named-nfl-offensive.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been named the 2011 Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year. Brees set an NFL single-season records with 5,476 passing yards, 468 completions and a 71.2 percent completion percentage in 2011. Brees also led the NFL with 46 touchdown passes and was second in the NFL with a 110.6 passer rating in leading the Saints to a 13-3 record and an NFC South title. In two post-season, Brees completed 68.9 percent of 106 pass attempts for 928 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions. Brees received 43 of the 50 votes, with Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers receiving the final seven votes. <br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/saints-qb-drew-named-nfl-offensive.html" target="_blank">Mac's Football Blog</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Saints QB Drew Brees Hopes To Have A Deal Done By The Start Of Free Agency</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181076</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:32:54 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>Saints QB Drew Brees made an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show earlier in the day and mentioned that he expects to have a long-term agreement in place before the start of free agency. “There is no doubt in my mind (a contract will be done),” Brees said. “It’s pretty straight up and should be done in the next 4-5 weeks.” Even if the Saints and Brees don’t have a long-term agreement in place, New Orleans can use their franchise tag on him to prevent him from hitting the open market. The issue here is that the Saints have a number of key free agents so any money that they can save from Brees’ next contract will be used to keep talent around him. Brees has earned a huge contract but it would be wise for him to take less and ensure that they keep players like Marques Colston. The deadline for teams to apply franchise tags is March 5th so yo can expect to hear a lot about the negotiations leading up to that date.

Source: NFL Trade Rumors (http://nfltraderumors.co/drew-brees-hopes-to-have-a-deal-done-before-free-agency/)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Saints QB Drew Brees made an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show earlier in the day and mentioned that he expects to have a long-term agreement in place before the start of free agency. “There is no doubt in my mind (a contract will be done),” Brees said. “It’s pretty straight up and should be done in the next 4-5 weeks.” Even if the Saints and Brees don’t have a long-term agreement in place, New Orleans can use their franchise tag on him to prevent him from hitting the open market. The issue here is that the Saints have a number of key free agents so any money that they can save from Brees’ next contract will be used to keep talent around him. Brees has earned a huge contract but it would be wise for him to take less and ensure that they keep players like Marques Colston. The deadline for teams to apply franchise tags is March 5th so yo can expect to hear a lot about the negotiations leading up to that date.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://nfltraderumors.co/drew-brees-hopes-to-have-a-deal-done-before-free-agency/" target="_blank">NFL Trade Rumors</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Raiders Denied Permission To Speak To Saints DL Coach Bill Johnson</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181110</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:03:45 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Oakland Raiders were denied permission to interview defensive line coach Bill Johnson for their defensive coordinator position, James Varney of The Times-Picayune reports. Johnson, 56, has spent the last three seasons with the Saints and has spent 11 of his 31-year coaching career in the NFL. Before working for the Saints, Johnson coached defensive lines with the Denver Broncos (2007-08) and Atlanta Falcons (2001-06). Raiders head coach Dennis Allen coached with Johnson in both New Orleans and Atlanta, where Allen assisted Johnson in working with the Falcons' defensive line. 

Source: Mac's Football Blog (http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/raiders-denied-permission-to-speak-to.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Oakland Raiders were denied permission to interview defensive line coach Bill Johnson for their defensive coordinator position, James Varney of The Times-Picayune reports. Johnson, 56, has spent the last three seasons with the Saints and has spent 11 of his 31-year coaching career in the NFL. Before working for the Saints, Johnson coached defensive lines with the Denver Broncos (2007-08) and Atlanta Falcons (2001-06). Raiders head coach Dennis Allen coached with Johnson in both New Orleans and Atlanta, where Allen assisted Johnson in working with the Falcons' defensive line. <br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/raiders-denied-permission-to-speak-to.html" target="_blank">Mac's Football Blog</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title>OG Carl Nicks Wants To Re-Sign With The Saints</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180961</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:50:30 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>The New Orleans Saints have numerous free agents to sign this offseason.  First on the list is quarterback Drew Brees.  Among the remaining free agents priorities is All Pro left guard Carl Nicks. Nicks says he would love to stay in New Orleans according to Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune alhtough he realizes the Saints have a lot of free agents to sign. Nicks, a fifth-round draft pick in 2008 has developed into the best guards in the NFL.

Source: The Redzone (http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=23558)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The New Orleans Saints have numerous free agents to sign this offseason.  First on the list is quarterback Drew Brees.  Among the remaining free agents priorities is All Pro left guard Carl Nicks. Nicks says he would love to stay in New Orleans according to Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune alhtough he realizes the Saints have a lot of free agents to sign. Nicks, a fifth-round draft pick in 2008 has developed into the best guards in the NFL.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=23558" target="_blank">The Redzone</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title>Saints Hire Former Rams DC Ken Flajole To Coach Defensive Backs</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181058</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:52:46 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The New Orleans Saints have hired Ken Flajole to be their defensive backs coach, James Varney of The Times-Picayune reports. Flajole replaces Dennis Allen, who is now the head coach of the Oakland Raiders. The 58-year-old Flajole coached defensive backs with the Seattle Seahawks in 1999 and from 2001-02. Flajole has also coached linebackers (Seahawks, 2000) and Carolina Panthers (2003-08) and was the St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator the last three seasons. Flajole follows former Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo to New Orleans.

Source: Mac's Football Blog (http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/saints-hire-ken-flajole-to-coach.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The New Orleans Saints have hired Ken Flajole to be their defensive backs coach, James Varney of The Times-Picayune reports. Flajole replaces Dennis Allen, who is now the head coach of the Oakland Raiders. The 58-year-old Flajole coached defensive backs with the Seattle Seahawks in 1999 and from 2001-02. Flajole has also coached linebackers (Seahawks, 2000) and Carolina Panthers (2003-08) and was the St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator the last three seasons. Flajole follows former Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo to New Orleans.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/02/saints-hire-ken-flajole-to-coach.html" target="_blank">Mac's Football Blog</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title>Saints QB Drew Brees Named FedEx Air Player Of The Year</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180962</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:00:40 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Saints quarterback Drew Brees capped off a record-setting season by winning the FedEx Air Player of the Year Award on Wednesday at Super Bowl XLVI. Brees beat out Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers and New England's Tom Brady for the honor, which is based on fan voting. It's the fourth time Brees has won the award since its inception in 2003, he also was honored in 2006, 2008 and 2009. Brees did not attend the award presentation but said in a recorded acceptance speech that he was especially gratified to win considering the great seasons Brady and Rodgers enjoyed this season. Saints left tackle Jermon Bushrod accepted the award on Brees' behalf. I'm truly honored and blessed to have played with (Brees) for the last five years," Bushrod said. "If you saw him work out in the offseason, you would think the Super Bowl was the next day. He's the most focused individual I've ever played with."

Source: The Times-Picayune (http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/02/new_orleans_saints_quarterback_126.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Saints quarterback Drew Brees capped off a record-setting season by winning the FedEx Air Player of the Year Award on Wednesday at Super Bowl XLVI. Brees beat out Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers and New England's Tom Brady for the honor, which is based on fan voting. It's the fourth time Brees has won the award since its inception in 2003, he also was honored in 2006, 2008 and 2009. Brees did not attend the award presentation but said in a recorded acceptance speech that he was especially gratified to win considering the great seasons Brady and Rodgers enjoyed this season. Saints left tackle Jermon Bushrod accepted the award on Brees' behalf. I'm truly honored and blessed to have played with (Brees) for the last five years,&quot; Bushrod said. &quot;If you saw him work out in the offseason, you would think the Super Bowl was the next day. He's the most focused individual I've ever played with.&quot;<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/02/new_orleans_saints_quarterback_126.html" target="_blank">The Times-Picayune</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title>Lions Fan Admits To Making Superdome Bomb Threats During Playoffs</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180695</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:35:57 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[A Jackson man admitted to the FBI he called in bomb threats during the Detroit Lions playoff loss to the New Orleans Saints on Jan. 7, The Times-Picayune reports. An FBI agent interviewed Shawn Payton, 34, on Monday and played him recordings of the threats. Payton, a life-long Lions fan, admitted to making the calls. "I'm not a bad person. I was just so proud of the Lions finally making the playoffs for the first time in God knows how long," he told a Times-Picayune reporter when reached by phone. "I got caught up in the heat of the moment, and I seriously, highly regret making those calls." The Lions lost to the Saints 45-28. It was the Lions first trip to the playoffs since 1999.

Source: MLive.com (http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2012/01/jackson_man_sought_by_fbi_for.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[A Jackson man admitted to the FBI he called in bomb threats during the Detroit Lions playoff loss to the New Orleans Saints on Jan. 7, The Times-Picayune reports. An FBI agent interviewed Shawn Payton, 34, on Monday and played him recordings of the threats. Payton, a life-long Lions fan, admitted to making the calls. &quot;I'm not a bad person. I was just so proud of the Lions finally making the playoffs for the first time in God knows how long,&quot; he told a Times-Picayune reporter when reached by phone. &quot;I got caught up in the heat of the moment, and I seriously, highly regret making those calls.&quot; The Lions lost to the Saints 45-28. It was the Lions first trip to the playoffs since 1999.<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2012/01/jackson_man_sought_by_fbi_for.html" target="_blank">MLive.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Cowboys Covet Saints Free Agent OG Carl Nicks?</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180199</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:47:52 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Already, Cowboys fans are salivating at the idea of signing free-agent OG Carl Nicks, who might be too tough for the Saints to keep. Why Nicks and not, say, Ben Grubbs? Well, now-OL coach Bill Callahan has ties to Nicks from Nebraska, and owner Jerry Jones is said to be a fan of the Saints' power blocker to solidify the middle of his line. If the Cowboys move Doug Free to right tackle, they don't want to saddle him with a weak-link right guard.

Source: Pro Football Weekly (http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/21/cowboys-covet-free-agent-to-be-nicks)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Already, Cowboys fans are salivating at the idea of signing free-agent OG Carl Nicks, who might be too tough for the Saints to keep. Why Nicks and not, say, Ben Grubbs? Well, now-OL coach Bill Callahan has ties to Nicks from Nebraska, and owner Jerry Jones is said to be a fan of the Saints' power blocker to solidify the middle of his line. If the Cowboys move Doug Free to right tackle, they don't want to saddle him with a weak-link right guard.<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/21/cowboys-covet-free-agent-to-be-nicks" target="_blank">Pro Football Weekly</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Colts Add Saints O-Line Coach Aaron Kromer To Coaching Search</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180244</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:32:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Indianapolis Colts interviewed New Orleans Saints offensive line coach Aaron Kromer for their vacant head-coaching position Saturday, according to Fox Sports insider and NFL Network contributor Jay Glazer. Kromer's interview came on the same day that Colts owner Jim Irsay announced that he didn't plan to waste time in naming Jim Caldwell's replacement, saying on Twitter that the decision should be made by late this week. In addition to Kromer, the Colts have been linked to five other candidates. NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported Friday, citing league sources, that the Colts had a lengthy interview with Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray and planned to meet with former Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress. Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael and Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer are also on the Colts' list.

Source: NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82636bcd/article/colts-add-saints-oline-coach-kromer-to-coaching-search)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Indianapolis Colts interviewed New Orleans Saints offensive line coach Aaron Kromer for their vacant head-coaching position Saturday, according to Fox Sports insider and NFL Network contributor Jay Glazer. Kromer's interview came on the same day that Colts owner Jim Irsay announced that he didn't plan to waste time in naming Jim Caldwell's replacement, saying on Twitter that the decision should be made by late this week. In addition to Kromer, the Colts have been linked to five other candidates. NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported Friday, citing league sources, that the Colts had a lengthy interview with Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray and planned to meet with former Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress. Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael and Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer are also on the Colts' list.<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82636bcd/article/colts-add-saints-oline-coach-kromer-to-coaching-search" target="_blank">NFL.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Drew Brees Was Deciding Factor In Steve Spagnuolo Joining The Saints</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180217</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:41:53 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>Dan Pompei of the National Football Post reports that the Saints can thank Drew Brees for Steve Spagnuolo. The Saints’ new defensive coordinator had his choice of a number of jobs. Among the other teams that either were in hot pursuit or had expressed interest were the Eagles, Falcons, Colts, Bucs and Vikings. It came down to choosing between the Eagles and Saints, and Spags picked Brees over Michael Vick. An offense that scores 38.5 points per game can make a defensive coordinator look pretty smart.

Source: National Football Post
 (http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFP-Sunday-Blitz-5497.html)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Dan Pompei of the National Football Post reports that the Saints can thank Drew Brees for Steve Spagnuolo. The Saints’ new defensive coordinator had his choice of a number of jobs. Among the other teams that either were in hot pursuit or had expressed interest were the Eagles, Falcons, Colts, Bucs and Vikings. It came down to choosing between the Eagles and Saints, and Spags picked Brees over Michael Vick. An offense that scores 38.5 points per game can make a defensive coordinator look pretty smart.<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFP-Sunday-Blitz-5497.html" target="_blank">National Football Post<br />
</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Saints To Shake Things Up At Defensive Tackle This Offseason?</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180202</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:53:52 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Saints signed veteran DTs Shaun Rogers and Aubrayo Franklin to one-year deals last offseason and didn't get what they wanted out of either player. They played alongside DT Sedrick Ellis, who also didn't perform up to expectations. There is the potential for a shake-up at the position this offseason as the team looks to get quicker and more explosive up the middle, but sources wouldn't rule out the Saints trying to re-sign Rogers or Franklin, and both could be back.

Source: Pro Football Weekly (http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/21/cowboys-covet-free-agent-to-be-nicks)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Saints signed veteran DTs Shaun Rogers and Aubrayo Franklin to one-year deals last offseason and didn't get what they wanted out of either player. They played alongside DT Sedrick Ellis, who also didn't perform up to expectations. There is the potential for a shake-up at the position this offseason as the team looks to get quicker and more explosive up the middle, but sources wouldn't rule out the Saints trying to re-sign Rogers or Franklin, and both could be back.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/01/21/cowboys-covet-free-agent-to-be-nicks" target="_blank">Pro Football Weekly</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Ex-Rams Coach Steve Spagnuolo Agrees To Become Saints Defensive Coordinator</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180030</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:29:22 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Former St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo has agreed to become the defensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints, Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com reports. Once a contract is finalized, Spagnuolo will replace Gregg Williams, whose contract has expired. Williams is leaving the Saints to become the defensive coordinator on his longtime friend Jeff Fisher's coaching staff with the Rams. Before his three-year stint as the Rams head coach, Spagnuolo was the New York Giants defensive coordinator from 2007-08 and was a longtime assistant under the legendary Jim Johnson with the Philadelphia Eagles, coaching defensive backs and linebackers over eight seasons. 

Source: Mac's Football Blog (http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/01/steve-spagnuolo-agrees-to-terms-with.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Former St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo has agreed to become the defensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints, Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com reports. Once a contract is finalized, Spagnuolo will replace Gregg Williams, whose contract has expired. Williams is leaving the Saints to become the defensive coordinator on his longtime friend Jeff Fisher's coaching staff with the Rams. Before his three-year stint as the Rams head coach, Spagnuolo was the New York Giants defensive coordinator from 2007-08 and was a longtime assistant under the legendary Jim Johnson with the Philadelphia Eagles, coaching defensive backs and linebackers over eight seasons. <br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/01/steve-spagnuolo-agrees-to-terms-with.html" target="_blank">Mac's Football Blog</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Saints QB Drew Brees Would Be Stunned If New Contract Isn't Worked Out]]></title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180092</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:38:46 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees echoed the words of Coach Sean Payton on Friday, saying that he too would be "beyond stunned" if he's not back in New Orleans next season according to Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Brees is set to become an unrestricted free agent but said he hopes his agent Tom Condon and the Saints will be able to hammer out a deal sooner than later. "Now here we are at the end of the season and it's time to pick up discussions again, obviously once we all get a chance to step away and decompress and let this season kind of settle," Brees said Friday during a conference call with the New Orleans media. "But I've had conversations with (Saints General Manager) Mickey Loomis and my agent and at some point very soon we're going continue to talk and hopefully we will get a deal done very soon." When asked if it is important for him to get a deal done before the start of offseason workouts in June, or even before the start of the team's offseason conditioning program in late March or early April, Brees said yes. "Really the sooner the better. I would even say that between now and free agency (in early March) I'd really like to have something done," Brees said. "Obviously there's a lot that goes into it. It's not as easy as maybe some people think it is. I just think there's a lot of factors, variables, things to consider. The fact is we're all very confident that a deal will get done sooner than later."

Source: The Redzone (http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=23309)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees echoed the words of Coach Sean Payton on Friday, saying that he too would be &quot;beyond stunned&quot; if he's not back in New Orleans next season according to Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Brees is set to become an unrestricted free agent but said he hopes his agent Tom Condon and the Saints will be able to hammer out a deal sooner than later. &quot;Now here we are at the end of the season and it's time to pick up discussions again, obviously once we all get a chance to step away and decompress and let this season kind of settle,&quot; Brees said Friday during a conference call with the New Orleans media. &quot;But I've had conversations with (Saints General Manager) Mickey Loomis and my agent and at some point very soon we're going continue to talk and hopefully we will get a deal done very soon.&quot; When asked if it is important for him to get a deal done before the start of offseason workouts in June, or even before the start of the team's offseason conditioning program in late March or early April, Brees said yes. &quot;Really the sooner the better. I would even say that between now and free agency (in early March) I'd really like to have something done,&quot; Brees said. &quot;Obviously there's a lot that goes into it. It's not as easy as maybe some people think it is. I just think there's a lot of factors, variables, things to consider. The fact is we're all very confident that a deal will get done sooner than later.&quot;<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryID=23309" target="_blank">The Redzone</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
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			<title>Colts Want To Interview Saints Offensive Coordinator Pete Carmichael</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=179953</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 01:56:24 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Indianapolis Colts have requested permission to interview New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reports. Carmichael has been the Saints offensive coordinator for the last three seasons and assumed play-calling duties in the middle of the season after head coach/play-caller Sean Payton suffered a left knee injury that relegated him to the coaches booth. The 40-year-old native of Framingham, Massachusetts and Boston College alum has been with the Saints since 2006. Prior to New Orleans, Carmichael coached with the Cleveland Browns (2000), Washington Redskins (2001) and was with the San Diego Chargers from 2002-05. In addition to Carmichael, the Colts have received permission to interview Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray. 

Source: Mac's Football Blog (http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/01/colts-want-to-interview-saints-oc-pete.html)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Indianapolis Colts have requested permission to interview New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reports. Carmichael has been the Saints offensive coordinator for the last three seasons and assumed play-calling duties in the middle of the season after head coach/play-caller Sean Payton suffered a left knee injury that relegated him to the coaches booth. The 40-year-old native of Framingham, Massachusetts and Boston College alum has been with the Saints since 2006. Prior to New Orleans, Carmichael coached with the Cleveland Browns (2000), Washington Redskins (2001) and was with the San Diego Chargers from 2002-05. In addition to Carmichael, the Colts have received permission to interview Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray. <br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.macsfootballblog.com/2012/01/colts-want-to-interview-saints-oc-pete.html" target="_blank">Mac's Football Blog</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Sean Payton Positive That Saints QB Drew Brees Will Return</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=179860</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:46:42 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[While Drew Brees could potentially become a free agent this winter and shop around for another team, that scenario strikes Saints coach Sean Payton as a bit far-fetched. "I don't even know if stunned would be a strong enough word," Payton said Tuesday after players had been dismissed for the season following their playoff loss at San Francisco. "I don't see that happening." Brees has thrown for more yards than any NFL quarterback since joining the Saints in 2006 and passed for an NFL record 5,476 yards this season, breaking Dan Marino's 27-year-old mark of 5,084. Brees was among a number of players who had already left town and were not available for comment on Tuesday, but he has also said he expected an extension with New Orleans to eventually be completed. The coaching staff is slated to take all of next week off and Payton did not want to discuss a timetable for completing a new deal with Brees. "Certainly, the sooner the better, and yet I think this time away here initially after season ended will be good for everyone to kind remove yourself from the emotion of the season," the coach said.

Source: NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82615e66/article/saints-payton-assures-that-recordsetting-qb-brees-will-return)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[While Drew Brees could potentially become a free agent this winter and shop around for another team, that scenario strikes Saints coach Sean Payton as a bit far-fetched. &quot;I don't even know if stunned would be a strong enough word,&quot; Payton said Tuesday after players had been dismissed for the season following their playoff loss at San Francisco. &quot;I don't see that happening.&quot; Brees has thrown for more yards than any NFL quarterback since joining the Saints in 2006 and passed for an NFL record 5,476 yards this season, breaking Dan Marino's 27-year-old mark of 5,084. Brees was among a number of players who had already left town and were not available for comment on Tuesday, but he has also said he expected an extension with New Orleans to eventually be completed. The coaching staff is slated to take all of next week off and Payton did not want to discuss a timetable for completing a new deal with Brees. &quot;Certainly, the sooner the better, and yet I think this time away here initially after season ended will be good for everyone to kind remove yourself from the emotion of the season,&quot; the coach said.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82615e66/article/saints-payton-assures-that-recordsetting-qb-brees-will-return" target="_blank">NFL.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Saints Will Allow OG Carl Nicks To Leave Via Free Agency</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=179663</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:50:38 GMT</pubDate>
			<description>ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Saints G Carl Nicks is “expected to leave” New Orleans in the coming weeks. Nicks will be a free agent during the offseason but considering the number of big name free agents that the Saints will have to address, Nicks appears to be the player Saints are willing to let go. The real key to the Saints offseason will be QB Drew Brees who will most likely get a huge contract but any money that the Saints can save on him will help them retain some of their weapons. Nicks will be especially difficult to keep on a long-term deal because the Saints have already paid huge money for Jahri Evans and Nicks is viewed as one of the very best guards in football. Retaining Nicks on a one-year deal would be ideal, but it won’t be possible unless Brees’ contract is worked out quickly.

Source: NFL Trade Rumors (http://nfltraderumors.co/saints-will-allow-carl-nicks-to-leave/)</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Saints G Carl Nicks is “expected to leave” New Orleans in the coming weeks. Nicks will be a free agent during the offseason but considering the number of big name free agents that the Saints will have to address, Nicks appears to be the player Saints are willing to let go. The real key to the Saints offseason will be QB Drew Brees who will most likely get a huge contract but any money that the Saints can save on him will help them retain some of their weapons. Nicks will be especially difficult to keep on a long-term deal because the Saints have already paid huge money for Jahri Evans and Nicks is viewed as one of the very best guards in football. Retaining Nicks on a one-year deal would be ideal, but it won’t be possible unless Brees’ contract is worked out quickly.<br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://nfltraderumors.co/saints-will-allow-carl-nicks-to-leave/" target="_blank">NFL Trade Rumors</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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			<title>Saints Sign Six To Offseason Roster</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=179884</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:47:48 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The New Orleans Saints signed six players to their offseason roster. They signed the following players to reserve-future deals: nose guard Mitch King, defensive back Kamaal McIlwain, wide receiver Andy Tanner, running back Chris Taylor, offensive tackle Phil Trautwein and offensive tackle Fenuki Tupou. The Saints lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round. 

Source: Scout.com (http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=9&c=2&cid=1149726&nid=5824938&fhn=1)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The New Orleans Saints signed six players to their offseason roster. They signed the following players to reserve-future deals: nose guard Mitch King, defensive back Kamaal McIlwain, wide receiver Andy Tanner, running back Chris Taylor, offensive tackle Phil Trautwein and offensive tackle Fenuki Tupou. The Saints lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round. <br />
<br />
<b>Source:</b> <a href="http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&amp;p=9&amp;c=2&amp;cid=1149726&amp;nid=5824938&amp;fhn=1" target="_blank">Scout.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<category domain="http://gridironfans.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109">Latest NFL Headlines</category>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sportsguy'sLilBitch]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=179884</guid>
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			<title>Saints Will Interview Steve Spagnuolo To Replace Gregg Williams</title>
			<link>http://gridironfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=179853</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:17:34 GMT</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Saints coach Sean Payton is now searching for a defensive coordinator, a search that will include Steve Spagnuolo. Spagnuolo is scheduled to interview with the Saints on Wednesday, according to a league source. Spagnuolo is a candidate to replace former coordinator Gregg Williams, who league sources said Monday had agreed to take the same position on Jeff Fisher's staff with the St. Louis Rams. Payton said Tuesday it was apparent before the season ended that Williams, with his contract expiring, was likely going to join Fisher, an old friend under whom he coached for in Tennessee for a decade. "It was a matter of getting through the season and not allowing it to be distraction," Payton said, adding that the Saints and Williams never discussed an extension.

Source: NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82617205/article/saints-will-interview-spagnuolo-to-replace-williams)]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Saints coach Sean Payton is now searching for a defensive coordinator, a search that will include Steve Spagnuolo. Spagnuolo is scheduled to interview with the Saints on Wednesday, according to a league source. Spagnuolo is a candidate to replace former coordinator Gregg Williams, who league sources said Monday had agreed to take the same position on Jeff Fisher's staff with the St. Louis Rams. Payton said Tuesday it was apparent before the season ended that Williams, with his contract expiring, was likely going to join Fisher, an old friend under whom he coached for in Tennessee for a decade. &quot;It was a matter of getting through the season and not allowing it to be distraction,&quot; Payton said, adding that the Saints and Williams never discussed an extension.<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82617205/article/saints-will-interview-spagnuolo-to-replace-williams" target="_blank">NFL.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<dc:creator>SteveRobWhatever</dc:creator>
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