Pete Carmichael's in his 15th season as New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator after tutoring the quarterbacks his first three years with the club.
Throughout this 17-year period, he has been a key figure in the planning and preparations of an offensive attack that has been ranked first in the National Football League in yardage in six seasons and in the top ten each campaign from 2006-19. During this period of Carmichael's tenure on the New Orleans coaching staff, the club's 14-year streak of finishing in the top 10 in offense was the third-longest since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. Additionally, quarterback Drew Brees, who retired following the 2020 season, was named to the Pro Bowl 12 times, while becoming the league's all-time leader in completions and passing yardage.
In 2022, Carmichael helped steer the offense to improvements in the passing game, despite missing wide receiver Michael Thomas for the final 14 games of the season, wideout Jarvis Landry missing eight contests and needing to start nine different offensive line combinations. The Saints improved from being ranked 32nd in the National Football League in 2021 to 16th in 2022 in net passing yards per game. Quarterback Andy Dalton set a career-high in completion percentage (66.7%), as he completed 252-of-378 passes for 2,870 yards with 18 touchdowns, only nine interceptions and a 95.2 passer rating. Despite the injuries to Thomas and Landry, Carmichael and the offensive staff quickly developed the rookie wideout tandem of Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Olave, the 11th selection in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, became only the second Saints rookie to lead the team in receiving (72 catches), receiving yardage (1,042 yards) and yards per catch (14.5 avg.) and only the third to reach 1,000-yards. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Weber State, Shaheed caught 28 passes for 488 yards (17.4 avg.) with two touchdowns and added four carries for 57 yards with a 44-yard touchdown in only 12 games. Third-year tight end Juwan Johnson, in his second season at the position, had career-highs in all major receiving categories, as he caught 42 passes for 508 yards with a team-leading seven touchdowns, tied for third in the position in the league. Taysom Hill contributed in the running game with a career-high 575 yards rushing and seven touchdowns, and the passing game, where he caught two scores for a team-high nine total touchdowns and threw for two more. Running back Alvin Kamara had his sixth consecutive season with 1,300 total yards from scrimmage (team-high 1,387) despite missing two games with injuries.
Despite the New Orleans offense being limited by significant injuries at quarterback, the skill positions and the offensive line in 2021, New Orleans managed to finish 19th in the NFL in scoring, reaching outputs of at least 30 points five times. Despite the impacts of multiple lineups, New Orleans was tied for the sixth-fewest turnovers (18) in the league. Through the first eight weeks, Jameis Winston posted a 5-2 record as a starter and ranked in the top 10 in the NFL in touchdown passes (14), touchdown percentage (8.7) and passer rating (102.8) before suffering a season-ending knee injury. After Winston's injury, Carmichael was forced to prepare four starting quarterbacks. Hill won four of his five starts, while rushing for 374 yards to rank second on the team with a club-best five rushing touchdowns, passing for four more. Trevor Siemian closed out important divisional victories over Tampa Bay and Atlanta following injuries to Winston and Hill. Kamara was selected to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl as he led New Orleans in rushing and receiving for the second consecutive season, carrying 240 times for 898 yards and four touchdowns, while grabbing 47 passes for 439 yards and five scores, for a club-best 1,337 total yards from scrimmage despite missing four games.
In 2020, Carmichael guided a Saints offense that ranked No. 6 in the NFL in rushing offense with 141.6 yards per game and had a league-best 30 rushing touchdowns, a team record and tied for the sixth-highest total in NFL record books, en route to a 12-4 record and the team's fourth consecutive NFC South championship. The Saints also finished fourth in the NFL in points per game (30.1) and New Orleans quarterbacks threw only eight interceptions, tied for the fourth-lowest total in the league. Brees completed 275-of-390 passes (70.5%) for 2,942 yards with 24 touchdowns, only six interceptions and a 106.4 passer rating, ranked first in the NFL in fourth quarter passer rating (128.7), second in completion percentage and sixth in passer rating. Also under Carmichael's tutelage, Kamara, turned in a breakout campaign, leading the NFL with a club-record 21 touchdowns, while carrying 187 times for a career-high 932 yards (5.2 avg.) with 16 touchdowns. He led all running backs in receiving with a career-high and team-best 83 receptions for 756 yards (9.1 avg.) with five touchdowns, finishing third in the league with a career-high 1,688 total yards from scrimmage. Kamara, left tackle Terron Armstead and guard Andrus Peat were named to the Pro Bowl, while Kamara and right tackle Ryan Ramczyk were selected second-team Associated Press All-Pro.
In 2019 under Carmichael's guidance, the Saints set an NFL record with the fewest turnovers (8) in NFL history as they finished the regular season 13-3 and captured their third consecutive NFC South Division championship. In addition to the NFL record for the fewest turnovers, the Saints finished tied for third in the league in points per game (28.6), ranked sixth in total yards per play (5.9) and seventh in net passing yards per game (265.3) despite Brees being sidelined for five games (thumb). While Brees completed 281-of-378 passes for 2,979 yards with 27 touchdowns, only four interceptions and a career-high 116.3 passer rating, Carmichael and the offensive staff also prepared Teddy Bridgewater, who posted a 5-0 record as the starter and completed 133-of-196 passes (67.9%) for 1,384 yards with nine touchdowns, only two interceptions and a 99.1 rating. Thomas set the NFL's receiving record, posting 149 receptions for a franchise-record 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns and was selected as Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year and as an AP first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl starter for the second straight season. Kamara became only the second Saint to have 1,300 total yards from scrimmage in three consecutive seasons, the first to do so in his first three campaigns, as he also became the first Saint to be named to the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons. Tight end Jared Cook led his position in the league in yards per catch and ranked second in touchdown receptions, as he posted 43 catches for 705 yards (16.4 avg.) and nine scoring grabs, snagging a Pro Bowl berth. The Saints offensive line surrendered only 25 sacks, tied for the third-lowest total in the league, sending Armstead, Peat and guard Larry Warford to the Pro Bowl, while Ramczyk was an AP first-team All-Pro.
In 2018, Carmichael guided an offense that finished third in the NFL in points per game (31.5) en route to a 13-3 record and an NFC South title for the second straight season. The Saints finished tied for third in the league with the fewest giveaways (16), ranked sixth in the NFL in rushing yards per game (126.6), eighth in total offense (379.2) and led the NFL in rushing touchdowns (26). Brees finished the season surpassing his prior NFL record for completion percentage (74.4), leading the league with a 115.7 passer rating to go along with 32 touchdowns and only five interceptions in a season when he became the league's all-time completions and passing yardage leader. Also under Carmichael's tutelage, Kamara ranked seventh in the NFL in total yards from scrimmage (club-best 1,592) and ranked second in the league with 18 touchdowns, which tied the franchise-best at the time. Thomas shattered what was the club's receptions and receiving yardage records with a league-best 125 grabs for 1,405 yards and nine touchdowns. Brees (second-team) and Thomas (first-team) were AP All-Pros in addition to being selected as Pro Bowl starters. The offensive line surrendered only 20 sacks for the second consecutive season, the league's second-lowest total. Armstead, Peat, Warford and center Max Unger were named to the Pro Bowl, while Ramczyk was an AP second-team All-Pro.
In 2017, Carmichael coordinated a balanced offense that finished second in the National Football League (391.2 ypg.), with the Saints the only club to be ranked in the top five both in passing (fifth-261.8) and rushing (fifth-129.4). The Saints also finished first in the NFL in yards per play (6.3), passing yards per play (8.1), fourth down efficiency (80.0%) and yards after the catch (2,401). Brees set the NFL single-season record for completion percentage (72.0%), completing 386-of-536 passes for 4,334 yards and 23 touchdowns and a 103.9 passer rating. Running back Mark Ingram set career-highs with 1,124 yards rushing, 12 rushing touchdowns, 58 receptions and 1,540 total yards from scrimmage. Kamara set a league record for rookie running backs with 826 receiving yards on 81 receptions and five touchdowns, while he led the NFL by averaging 6.1 yards per carry on 120 carries for 728 yards with eight touchdowns, as he led the club with 1,554 total yards from scrimmage and was selected by the AP as NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and as a second-team All-Pro (flex). The 3,094 combined total yards from scrimmage from Ingram and Kamara was the second-most by a running back duo since the start of a 16-game season in 1978. Thomas posted 104 receptions for 1,245 yards. The 4,339 combined total yards from scrimmage by Ingram, Kamara and Thomas, was the highest total by a skill position trio in club history. The offensive line allowed just 20 sacks, second-fewest in the NFL, even though they had to open with six different combinations. Brees, Ingram, Kamara, Thomas and Warford were selected to the Pro Bowl.
In 2016, the Saints offense ranked first in the NFL (426.0 ypg.), with the club also finishing first in passing offense (317.1 ypg.), third down efficiency (48.6), first downs (395) and yards after the catch (2,439). The club posted the third-highest scoring season in club history, ranking second in the NFL (29.3 ppg.). The team's 6,816 total net yards gained was seventh-highest in league history. With Thomas and wide receiver Brandin Cooks each recording 1,000-yard receiving seasons, Ingram posting a 1,000-yard rushing season and Brees reaching 5,000-yards passing, the Saints became the second offensive in NFL history that featured a 5,000-yard passer, a 1,000-yard rusher and two 1,000-yard receivers, joining the 2013 Denver Broncos. Brees reached 5,000 passing yards for an NFL-record fifth time while his passing yardage total (5,208) was the second-highest in his career and the fourth-highest of all-time, leading the league for an NFL-record seventh time. He also set an NFL single-season record for completions (471), as he was named to the Pro Bowl. Ingram ran for 1,043 yards, becoming the first 1,000-yard rusher in club history since 2006. Cooks (1,173) and Thomas (1,137) each eclipsed 1,100 yards receiving with Thomas setting the team single-season rookie record for receptions, receiving yardage and receiving touchdowns. Thomas finished the season leading NFL rookies in all three categories with the receptions total second all-time for a rookie behind Anquan Boldin's 101 in 2003.
In 2015, Carmichael coordinated an offense that finished second in the NFL (403.8 ypg.), with the club finishing first in net passing yards per game (310.6), third down efficiency (47.7%) and first downs (381). Brees threw for an NFL-high 4,870 yards and 32 touchdowns with a 101.0 rating despite missing one game. Despite being sidelined the final four games, Ingram had a team-high 1,074 total yards from scrimmage. Wideouts Cooks and Willie Snead IV enjoyed breakout seasons. Cooks led the team in all three major receiving categories with 84 grabs for 1,138 yards and nine touchdowns. Snead secured a roster spot and made 69 catches for 984 yards and three touchdowns. Tight end Benjamin Watson set career-highs with 74 grabs for 825 yards, while tying a career-best with six touchdown receptions.
In 2014, Carmichael led an offense that finished first in the NFL in net yards per game (411.4), third down efficiency (48.3%) and first downs (395). Brees tied for the NFL lead in passing yardage (4,952). He also finished first in the NFL in completions (456), second in completion percentage (69.2%) and tied for fifth in touchdown passes (33). Tight end Jimmy Graham led the team in both receiving and touchdowns with 85 catches for 889 yards and ten touchdowns and Ingram led the team in rushing yards (964), total yards from scrimmage (1,109) and rushing touchdowns (nine), which was tied for third in the NFL. Four offensive Saints made the Pro Bowl: Brees, guard Jahri Evans, Graham and Ingram.
In 2013 the offense finished fourth in net yards per game (399.4), second in passing offense (307.4 ypg.), third in third down conversion percentage (43.9%), fourth in first downs (359) and second in yards after the catch (2,576). Brees, Evans, Graham and guard Ben Grubbs were selected to the Pro Bowl. Brees finished near the top of the NFL in virtually every passing category, completing 446-of-650 (68.6%) passes for 5,162 yards with 39 touchdowns and a 104.5 rating. Graham enjoyed one of the most prolific seasons for a tight end in NFL history, recording 86 receptions for 1,215 yards with a franchise-record 16 touchdowns. The 2013 Saints were also only the fifth NFL team to have four players with 65 or more catches (Graham-86, running back Pierre Thomas-77, wide receiver Marques Colston-75 and running back Darren Sproles-71), as New Orleans did so for the second consecutive season.
In 2012, Carmichael called plays for an offense ranked second in the NFL (410.9 ypg.) and third in the league in scoring (28.8 ppg.). The Saints compiled top-five NFL rankings in red zone touchdown percentage (68.4%), third down conversion rate (44.0%) and first downs (352), supported by a line with two Pro Bowl selections (left tackle Jermon Bushrod and Evans) that surrendered only 26 sacks, tied for third-lowest in the NFL. Brees threw for 5,177 yards and 43 touchdowns, both league-bests. The wideout duo of Colston and Lance Moore each reached 1,000 yards.
In 2011, the Saints produced some of the best offensive numbers in league history as the team shattered several NFL and team records. After Head Coach Sean Payton suffered a leg injury in Week Six, Carmichael took over play-calling duties. New Orleans set NFL records in completion percentage (71.3%), net passing yardage (5,347) and first downs (416) that have since been broken, while the marks for total net yards (7,474), third down conversion rate (56.7%) and fewest fumbles (6) still stand. They also set a team mark and led the league in third down conversions (118). New Orleans finished with 547 points, then the fourth-highest total in NFL history, and scored at least 45 points in four regular season games and one postseason contest, including three straight outputs of at least 45. Brees enjoyed one of the most prolific seasons by a signal-caller as he completed 468-of-657 passes (71.2%) for 5,476 yards, 46 touchdowns and a 110.6 rating, breaking NFL records for yardage (since broken), completions, 300-yard passing games (13) and completion percentage (since broken). Graham had 99 receptions for 1,310 yards with 11 touchdowns. A running game ranked sixth in the NFL flourished behind an offensive line that featured three Pro Bowl selections (Bushrod, Evans and guard Carl Nicks), in addition to Brees and Graham.Â
In 2010, the Saints finished third in the NFC and sixth in the NFL after averaging 372.5 yards of total offense, finishing third in the league in passing. The unit converted 48.8% of their third down conversions and ranked fifth in the NFL with 351 first downs.
In 2009, Carmichael's first season with his new title, the Saints continued to compile impressive offensive numbers. The Saints finished in the top five in seven offensive categories, while also racking up an NFL-best 510 points. At least 45 points were scored four times, a fifth time in the postseason, with four straight outputs of at least 30. The Saints ranked first in the league with 6,461 net yards, then third-best in club history. The Saints' 348 first downs was the second-best total in league rankings. The Saints also finished ranked sixth in the NFL in rushing with 131.6 yards per game on 4.5 yards per carry. The offense continued to flourish in the postseason, averaging 35.6 points per game and scoring eight-of-nine times inside the red zone. Brees keyed the run, completing 70.6 percent of his passes and throwing eight touchdowns with a 117.0 passer rating. He was selected the Super Bowl XLIV MVP, as he led the Saints back from a ten-point deficit, completing 18 of his last 19 passes and engineering the fourth quarter game-winning drive.
In 2008, Carmichael's title was quarterbacks/passing game – with duties that included assisting in pass routes, protections and quarterback responsibilities. He tutored the signal callers his first three seasons with the club. In 2008, the offense went on to rank No. 1 in the NFL in passing, and Brees threw for 5,069 yards and was selected as AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
Carmichael worked closely with Brees since both arrived in New Orleans from the San Diego Chargers in 2006 through the signal-caller's retirement following the 2020 season, a period when virtually all of the franchise's passing records fell. Brees led the NFL or tied for the lead in passing yardage an NFL-record seven times, set the league record for completion percentage four times and threw for a club-record 491 touchdowns over 15 seasons.
Carmichael brings the perspective of having a wide range of coaching experiences, including working with nearly every position group on offense. With the Chargers, he assisted wide receivers coach James Lofton for an offense that ranked tenth in the NFL in 2004 and 2005. Carmichael joined the Chargers in 2002 and served as offensive assistant/quality control coach until being promoted.
For his first two NFL positions, Carmichael was a quality control coach for Washington in 2001, and in 2000, he was the tight ends coach/offensive assistant for Cleveland. From 1995-99, Carmichael was the quarterbacks coach at Louisiana Tech, and during his tenure the signal-callers broke almost every school passing record. 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.) High School where he played football and baseball. He was a four-year baseball 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. Growing up in a football family, his late father, Pete Carmichael Sr., was a football coach with more than 40 years of coaching experience at the high school, college and NFL levels, including 18 years at Boston College and nine years with the Jacksonville Jaguars (1995-99), Browns (2000) and Chicago Bears (2001-03).
Carmichael and his wife, Tina, have two sons, Peter and John, and one daughter, Allison.
COACHING CAREER: New Hampshire, 1994; Louisiana Tech, 1995-99; Cleveland Browns, 2000; Washington, 2001; San Diego Chargers, 2002-05; New Orleans Saints, 2006-.
