2012 New Orleans Saints season
| 2012 New Orleans Saints season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach |
Joe Vitt (Interim, games 7–16) Aaron Kromer (Interim, games 1–6) |
| General manager | Mickey Loomis (suspended for first 8 games) |
| Owner | Tom Benson |
| Home field | Mercedes-Benz Superdome |
| Results | |
| Record | 7–9 |
| Division place | 3rd NFC South |
| Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
| Pro Bowlers |
Drew Brees (QB) Jermon Bushrod (OT) Jimmy Graham (TE) Carl Nicks (G) Jahri Evans (G) |
| AP All-Pros |
Jahri Evans (1st team) Thomas Morstead |
| Uniform | |
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The 2012 New Orleans Saints season was the franchise's 46th season in the National Football League, and the 37th with home games at the Superdome. It was going to be the seventh season under head coach Sean Payton; however, he was suspended by the NFL for the entire 2012 season as part of the punishment for the team's bounty scandal. On April 12, 2012, linebackers coach Joe Vitt was named interim head coach to replace Sean Payton while he served his one-year suspension. On August 22, 2012, it was announced that Aaron Kromer would take over while Vitt himself served a six-game suspension to start the regular season. The Saints attempted to make history as the first host team to play the Super Bowl on their own home field, but they were eliminated from post-season contention in Week 16. The Saints set an NFL record for most yards given up by a defense, 7,042 yards, surpassing the 1981 Baltimore Colts record of 6,793 yards.
After his contract expired, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was hired by the St. Louis Rams to the same position on January 16, 2012. Former Rams' head coach Steve Spagnuolo replaced Williams. Williams was later handed an indefinite suspension from the NFL for his role in the bounty scandal.
The Saints did not have a first- or second-round selection.
All undrafted free agents were signed just after the 2012 NFL Draft concluded on April 28.
With the loss, the Saints started their season 0–1.
With the loss, the Saints fell to 0–2.
With the close loss, the Saints fell to 0–3.
With the loss, the Saints face their first 0–4 start since 2007.
Drew Brees broke Johnny Unitas' record of consecutive games with a touchdown in the first quarter. The record touchdown was witnessed by Unitas' son Joe. With the surprising win, the Saints go into their bye week at 1–4.
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