Former Saints coach candidate got last laugh over team who spurned him

Credit where it's due; Anthony Weaver got the last laugh against a New Orleans Saints that spurned him to hire Kellen Moore. The Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator was one of several candidates who interviewed for the job back in January, and one of the few targets who got a second meeting with team brass before they went in full pursuit after Moore. But in the end, the Saints wanted the Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator, not another coach from a defensive background like Dennis Allen.

They may have gotten what they deserved. Moore has started the season at 2-10. The Saints have been eliminated from playoff contention by Week 13. And the defense Weaver coordinators held them to just 63 total yards in the first half, their lowest first-half total in 50 years. But even that performance was better than what we saw out of Moore's offense on Sunday. That time, what became a 20-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the Saints gained 62 passing yards and 67 rushing yards by halftime, but lost a ridiculous 69 yards to sacks. That put them at 60 altogether, three yards less than what they picked up in Miami.

Weaver's defense has gotten into a hot streak, helping Miami win four of their last five games while ranking among the NFL's stingiest scoring units. He was someone lauded by his old boss John Harbaugh and veteran players like Jevon Holland. He reportedly left a strong impression on the Saints, too, before they became enamored with Moore and his as-of-yet-unfulfilled vision for the team.

At some point Moore must show he deserves a second year coaching this team for a reason other than being under contract. He's conducted the NFL's worst red zone offense and least effective unit in short-yardage situations. And on Sunday, Weaver had his number.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Dolphins DC, former Saints coach target Anthony Weaver got last laugh