2002 New Orleans Saints season
The 2002 season was the New Orleans Saints' 36th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 27th playing home games at the Louisiana Superdome. They improved upon their previous season's performance of 7–9, winning nine games. Despite the winning season, and ranking third in total offense in 2002, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs for the ninth time in the last 10 seasons. As of 2022, this remains the only season in which the Saints have worn their gold jerseys.
| 2002 New Orleans Saints season | |
|---|---|
| General manager | Mickey Loomis |
| Head coach | Jim Haslett |
| Home field | Louisiana Superdome |
| Results | |
| Record | 9–7 |
| Division place | 3rd NFC South |
| Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
| Pro Bowlers | Deuce McAllister (RB) Joe Horn (WR) Michael Lewis (KR) Fred McAfee (ST) |
| AP All-Pros | Deuce McAllister (1st team) Michael Lewis (ST) Fred McAfee (ST) |
A bright moment during the season for the Saints was sweeping the eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Those two wins were almost guaranteed to make New Orleans a playoff team; however, three consecutive losses, all to losing teams, including one to the 1–13 Cincinnati Bengals, knocked New Orleans out of playoff contention.