It’s official. Todd Grantham is interviewing with the New Orleans Saints.
That had been speculated and reported for more than a week. But it hadn’t been confirmed until Thursday morning when Georgia Athletic Director Greg McGarity issued a statement to reporters who cover the Bulldogs.
“In accordance with his contractual obligation, Todd Grantham notified me Wednesday night of the New Orleans Saints’ interest in interviewing him for the defensive coordinator position,” McGarity said.
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Grantham’s contract stipulated that he inform the Bulldogs’ athletic director of any official contact he has with other teams regarding employment opportunities. Earlier this week the New Orleans Times Picayune reported that Grantham was to be interviewed Thursday by Saints head coach Sean Payton for their defensive coordinator’s position. Grantham’s name has also been circulated for the same opening with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Neither Grantham nor his agent had responded messages seeking comment about the job openings for weeks. Grantham finally answered reporters’ questions about the rumors on Wednesday during the Bulldogs’ national signing day activities, but remained evasive about his level of interest.
“I love Georgia and I think this is a great place, I love it, my family loves it and I fully expect to be here,” Grantham said. “But as coaches if things come up you’re always going to say, ‘hey, what’s best for your family?’”
Grantham has a good situation at Georgia. A year ago he signed a three-year contract that pays him $825,000 a year. But as an NFL coordinator, he could make twice that in salary with a longer contract.
There is no guarantee he will get the Saints’ job, however. Earlier this week Payton told a national radio audience that he intended to speak to “two to four” candidates about the opening, including longtime NFL coordinator Rob Ryan.
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