Saints name Aaron Kromer interim coach for first six weeks of regular season

The New Orleans Saints named offensive line/running game coach Aaron Kromer on Wednesday to replace Joe Vitt as interim coach for the first six weeks of the regular season when Vitt serves his suspension for his role in the bounty scandal. Kromer’s first day as interim coach will be Sept. 3. The Saints open at home against Washington on Sept. 9. “This was a difficult decision because we have several coaches on our staff that would do a great job in this role,” general manager Mickey Loomis said. “Ultimately, I wanted to have the least amount of change with both the offensive and defensive staffs and maintain the most continuity with the program that has been in place for the last six years.” Kromer was considered the most likely choice before the announcement. Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael will have his hands full calling the plays with coach Sean Payton suspended for the entire season. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has head coaching experience, but he is in his first year with the Saints. Kromer is entering his fifth year in New Orleans. He worked with the running backs in 2008 before coaching the offensive line the past three years. “I appreciate the confidence that [owner] Mr. [Tom] Benson and Mickey have in me to handle this duty while Coach Vitt and Coach Payton are not with us,” Kromer said. “Coach Payton has laid a successful foundation here, and our jobs are to make sure we keep moving in that direction.” Three Saints offensive linemen made the Pro Bowl last year. The line has allowed the third-fewest sacks in the NFL since the start of 2009. “Aaron knows Sean’s system very well and how he would be expected to operate this team,” Saints QB Drew Brees said. “We have a very strong coaching staff, and Aaron is a coach that is very well respected in our locker room.”Follow Saints reporter Guerry Smith on twitter @CBSSportsNFLNO.

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