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Robert Blanton Joins New Orleans Saints as Assistant Defensive Backs Coach

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Robert Blanton is in his first season with the New Orleans Saints, bringing five years of coaching experience to the team as assistant defensive backs coach. Prior to joining the Saints, Blanton spent three years at Miami (Ohio) University, where he was the defensive pass game coordinator and safeties coach in 2024. During his tenure, five of his players earned All-MAC honors, including two in 2023. Blanton's players also achieved impressive accomplishments, such as sophomore defensive back Raion Strader, who earned first-team All-MAC honors after recording 53 tackles, two interceptions, and a team-high 18 pass breakups. Blanton's guidance helped the RedHawks rank eighth nationally in scoring defense and allowed just 86 points in eight conference games, the fewest allowed in MAC play since 2000.

Key Takeaways:

  • Robert Blanton joined the New Orleans Saints as assistant defensive backs coach in his first season with the NFL.
  • Blanton spent three years at Miami (Ohio) University, where he was the defensive pass game coordinator and safeties coach in 2024.
  • Under Blanton's guidance, five of his players earned All-MAC honors, including two in 2023.
  • Sophomore defensive back Raion Strader earned first-team All-MAC honors after recording 53 tackles, two interceptions, and a team-high 18 pass breakups.
  • Blanton's players also achieved impressive accomplishments, such as Yahsyn McKee earning second-team All-MAC and John Saunders Jr. recording a team-high ten pass breakups.
  • Blanton's experience includes six years in the NFL as a safety and special teams standout with the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills.
  • Blanton participated in the Vikings Diversity Coaching Summit in 2023 and received his first on-field experience through a Bill Walsh minority coaching internship with the Los Angeles Chargers.
  • Blanton graduated from Notre Dame with a business degree in 2012 and completed his MBA in finance from the University of Miami in 2016.

Statistics:

  • 5 players earned All-MAC honors under Blanton's guidance.
  • 2 players earned All-MAC honors in 2023.
  • Raion Strader recorded 53 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 18 pass breakups.
  • Miami (Ohio) University ranked 8th nationally in scoring defense in 2023.
  • The RedHawks allowed just 86 points in 8 conference games.
  • Blanton played in 72 career regular season games with 19 starts in the NFL.

Sources:

  • New Orleans Saints University, The State of Louisiana news release.
  • Miami (Ohio) University.
  • Notre Dame.
  • University of Miami.
  • Minnesota Vikings.
  • Buffalo Bills.
  • Los Angeles Chargers.
  • NFL Flag Youth Football organization.

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