The New Orleans Saints have suffered another significant setback in their quest for a new head coach as former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, who had been considered a top contender for the position, has decided to withdraw from the race. This is a blow to the Saints' search, especially following Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s decision to stay with the team. With these high-profile rejections, the Saints find themselves back at square one in their coaching search.
A growing list of missed opportunities for the New Orleans Saints
McCarthy's withdrawal from the New Orleans Saints head coach hunt leaves the team with fewer options and adds to their mounting frustrations. After coaching the Dallas Cowboys for five seasons, McCarthy, who amassed a 49-35 record with Dallas, chose to step away from the 2025 coaching cycle. "I’ve decided to focus on the 2026 hiring cycle," McCarthy said in a statement. This decision came after McCarthy's contract with the Cowboys expired and both sides agreed to part ways, ending his tenure with the team.
The Saints, who are the only NFL team still searching for a head coach, had hoped McCarthy’s experience would bring stability after firing Dennis Allen midseason. However, they are now left looking elsewhere. They have already seen key candidates like Kliff Kingsbury and Joe Brady reject their overtures. Brady, in particular, had been a favorite, but he also opted to remain with the Buffalo Bills, further deepening the frustration for the Saints' management.
With the Saints still struggling to find a permanent head coach, other potential candidates are now under the microscope. Offensive coordinators Kellen Moore (Philadelphia Eagles) and Mike Kafka (New York Giants), as well as Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, remain in contention. Moore is perhaps the most promising candidate following a strong season with the Eagles, who exploded for 55 points in their NFC Championship Game victory. Despite these candidates, the Saints have yet to make a hire, leaving fans and analysts to wonder how much longer this coaching saga will continue.
As the search drags on, it’s clear that the Saints are facing a critical juncture in the team’s future, and the lack of a head coach is only adding to the uncertainty.