NEW ORLEANS,(WGNO) — Saints owner Tom Benson is changing course, dramatically.
The 87-year-old Benson has named his wife, Gayle, as his successor, effectively ousting his granddaughter Rita.
Both major New Orleans newspapers reported the new succession plan Wednesday night.
Both outlets say Mrs. Benson will retain control of the Saints and Pelicans upon Mr. Benson’s death.
Meantime, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis met with the media Wednesday morning after the North practice at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
Loomis confirmed that former Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland will be the club’s new head of college scouting.
Loomis said the move was necessary when former personnel director Ryan Pace was hired by the Chicago Bears as their new general manager.
“When we lost Ryan to Chicago, I feel like we needed to add an evaluator from outside the building,” said Loomis. “I also felt it was good to get some new ideas.”
Tuesday, Loomis fired longtime Saints college scouting director Rick Reiprish. Reiprish was with the club since 2004.
