Promoted to offensive coordinator for 2009 after working with the quarterbacks for the last three seasons, Pete Carmichael has been a key contributor in the planning and preparation of the Saints’ record-setting passing attack since 2006. The unit has been distinguished by its consistency, as New Orleans has led the NFL in passing two of the last three seasons and ranked third in 2007.

Last year, Carmichael’s title was quarterbacks/passing game – with duties that included assisting in the pass routes, protection schemes and quarterback responsibilities. The offense went on to rank No. 1 in the NFL in passing, and QB Drew Brees threw for 5,069 yards – the second-highest total in league history. He also tossed a club-record 34 touchdowns.

Carmichael has worked closely with Brees since both arrived in New Orleans in 2006, and since then the majority of the franchise’s single-season passing records have fallen. Brees has led the NFL in passing yardage twice, set an NFL record for completions in 2007 with 440 and has thrown for 88 touchdowns over the last three seasons.

As offensive coordinator, Carmichael will bring the perspective of having a wide range of coaching experiences, including working with nearly every position group on offense during his career. With the Chargers, he assisted wide receivers coach James Lofton for an offense that ranked 10th in the NFL in 2004 and 2005. Carmichael joined the Chargers in 2002 and served as offensive assistant/quality control until being promoted.

In 2001, Carmichael was quality control coach for the Washington Redskins, and in 2000, he was the tight ends and offensive assistant coach for the Cleveland Browns. From 1995-99, Carmichael was the quarterbacks coach at Louisiana Tech, and during his tenure the Bulldogs’ QBs broke almost every passing record at the school. He began his coaching career as the assistant offensive line coach at the University of New Hampshire in 1994, with the Wildcats winning the Yankee Conference championship.

Born Oct. 6, 1971 in Framingham, Mass., Carmichael attended Medway (Mass.) HS where he played football and baseball. He went on to a collegiate playing career in baseball and was a four-year letterman at Boston College. As a senior, Carmichael was a team captain and Most Valuable Player. He graduated with a degree in mathematics in 1994.

Carmichael and his wife, Tina, have sons, Peter and John and daughter Allison.