NFL Team History - The New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints franchise was essentially formed in a furtive agreement initiated by Congressman Hale Boggs and National Football League Commissioner Pete Rozelle. At the time, the NFL needed congressional authorization to proceed with the proposed AFL & NFL merger. Rozelle arrived in New Orleans on November 1, 1966, which was ironically All Saints Day, and proclaimed that the NFL had officially granted the city of New Orleans an NFL franchise. Hence, the Congressional committee set up by Hale Boggs promptly authorized the NFL & AFL merger.

John W. Mecom Jr was the franchise's first majority shareholder. The organization was named after the jazz timeless classic 'When The Saints go Marching In'.

Tom Fears was named as the first head coach of the New Orleans Saints franchise. The Saints would suffer a 27-13 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams in their inaugural regular season game at Tulane Stadium. Tulane Stadium was the initial home field for the Saints. The opening season resulted in a disappointing 3-11 record. Despite the record, their three wins matched an NFL record for most wins by an expansion franchise.

In 1970, Saints place kicker Tom Dempsey kicked a record-breaking 63-yard field goal. Additionally, the field goal was the game-winning score as the Saints defeated the Detroit Lions 19-17.

The Louisiana Superdome opened its doors to Saints fans in 1975. The first game held at the Superdome was against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 28, 1975. Unfortunately, they suffered a crushing 21-0 shutout.

The New Orleans Saints enjoyed very little success throughout their early years in the NFL. As a matter of fact, it was not until 1979, the franchise's fourteenth season, when they finished as high as second in NFC Western Division.

In 1985, Tom Benson acquired ownership of the New Orleans Saints.

The franchise continued to be mediocre at best; that was until 1987 when the Saints finally enjoyed their first winning season after 21 years of existence. They posted an impressive 12-3 record. Furthermore, they clinched their first playoff berth. Disappointingly, the Saints were on the losing end of their first playoff game as they were defeated by the Minnesota Vikings by a humbling score of 44-10.

They clinched another playoff berth in 1990, and captured their first NFC Western Division crown in 1991. However, their post-season failures continued with a loss to divisional rivals, the Atlanta Falcons.

Prior to the 1997 season, the Saints hired former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka, replacing Jim Mora. Ditka had previously guided the Bears to the 1985 Super Bowl Championship. Throughout Ditka's three-year term as head coach, the Saints failed to post a winning season. Jim Haslett replaced Mike Ditka following the 1999 season.

Under Haslett's leadership, the Saints defeated the defending Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams 31-28 on December 30, 2000 to claim their first playoff victory. A week later, their playoff run ended with a loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

In 2002, the NFL underwent a comprehensive realignment. As a result, the Saints were reassigned to the NFC South Division along with the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

On August 29, 2005, less than two weeks before the season was set to begin, Hurricane Katrina destroyed the city of New Orleans, including the Louisiana Superdome. The devastation affected the entire city and surrounding areas. Although it was less of importance, the Saints played their home games at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, home of the Louisiana State University Tigers, and the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The Saints would stagger to a depressing 3-13 record in 2005. Head coach Jim Haslett was released.

Throughout the 2005 season, rumors began to surface that the Saints would be relocated to either Los Angeles, California, or San Antonio, Texas. Owner Tom Benson was contacted by various investors, but he repudiated the notion of selling the franchise. NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue assisted Benson in upholding the franchise in New Orleans.

In 2006, Sean Payton was hired as head coach. However, the Saints overriding off-season transaction was drafting Heisman Trophy winning running back Reggie Bush out of USC with the second overall pick in the NFL draft. Moreover, the Saints acquired Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees, formerly of the San Diego Chargers.

Following months of convalescence, the Superdome was ready for the 2006 NFL season.

On September 25, 2006, the Saints played their first 'home' game since Hurricane Katrina against their NFC South Division foes, the Atlanta Falcons. In front of a primetime nationally televised audience, as well as a capacity crowd of 73,003, the Saints triumphed in one of the most emotional games in NFL history. They defeated the Falcons by a score of 23-3. The Monday Night game turned out to be ESPN's highest rated program with an 11.8 viewership rating.

The poignant victory set the stage for a season that would include a 10-6 record, which was adequate enough to secure the NFC South Division title. The division crown was the Saints third overall. The Saints would become the sentimental favorite to capture the Super Bowl.

In the post-season, the Saints defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27-24, earning the franchise their first NFC Championship Game appearance. They would travel to Soldier Field to face the Chicago Bears. Unfortunately, the memorable season ended as the Saints were pummeled by the Bears 39-14. Their first trip to the Super Bowl was denied.

The Louisiana Superdome has hosted six Super Bowl games.