METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Saints promoted Pete Carmichael Jr. to offensive coordinator Monday.
Saints coach Sean Payton also promoted Aaron Kromer from running backs coach to offensive line coach and Joe Lombardi from offensive assistant to quarterbacks coach. Before joining the Saints, Kromer was an offensive line assistant with Tampa Bay.
"Pete's promotion is well-deserved and I can't say enough about his ability," Payton said. "Aaron did a great job with the running backs last year, particularly with the development of Pierre Thomas. ... Moving to the offensive line, where the majority of his NFL experience is, was a natural progression on our staff, and he'll also contribute to our game-planning with the running game."
Carmichael replaces Doug Marrone, who left late in the season to become head coach at Syracuse. Carmichael has spent the past three seasons as the quarterbacks coach and helping Payton develop the team's passing game.
Payton calls his own plays, meaning his offensive coordinator serves in an advisory role during games but still helps develop offensive game plans during the week.
The team also hired former Northwestern assistant Bret Ingalls as the running backs coach. Ingalls has been in coaching for 23 years, the last three as offensive line coach at Northwestern.
"Bret is well-respected for his knowledge and communication skills with players," Payton said. "He has a wealth of experience working with several position groups and as a coordinator and I am very excited with what he will bring to our coaching staff."
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
