METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints designated offensive line coach Aaron Kromer as the interim head coach for the first six regular-season games, when assistant head coach Joe Vitt will have to serve his suspension in connection with the NFL’s bounty investigation.

Vitt has been overseeing head coaching duties since Sean Payton’s full season suspension began in mid-April, but the Saints held off until Wednesday on a decision concerning who would become the figurehead of the coaching staff when Vitt had to step aside in Week 1.

The 45-year-old Kromer is in his fifth season with the Saints and also serves as running game coordinator.