Who do the New Orleans Saints have interest in to be their next head coach? Most of the other openings have been filled around the NFL recently. Only the Saints and Dallas Cowboys remain as of now.
There a handful of names to know regarding the head-coaching vacancy for the Saints so far. Keep in mind that New Orleans is the only team left as an option for a HC job for most of these names.
Ranking remaining Saints HC candidates
*I ranked the five candidates who have received a second interview or are scheduled to interview with New Orleans this weekend.
5. Mike Kafka, OC, New York Giants
The interest in Kafka has been widespread over the past couple of years. Many openings have held interest and an interview with him regarding offensive coordinator or head-coaching spots.
That being said, it is a bit hard to figure out. He clearly has notable connections when it comes to coaching staffs, and front offices hold him in high regards for a reason.
Regardless, he's proven the least when it comes to the production of his units, compared to some of the other options for the Saints. He will have his second interview, an in-person one, with New Orleans on Saturday.
4. Anthony Weaver, DC, Miami Dolphins
Weaver interviewed with New Orleans for a second time on Friday. The young, fiery defensive coordinator in Miami has gotten interest from multiple teams during this cycle, a sign that he may land a HC job sooner than later in the coming years.
His unit with the Dolphins grew a lot in 2024, making notable improvements along their pass rush compared to 2023. Not to mention, the secondary had some lesser-known pieces show development, that maybe the team did not even expect.
Weaver is an intriguing option and the best defensive candidate on the Saints' list, in my opinion.
3. Darren Rizzi, interim HC/STC, New Orleans Saints
Rizzi is the choice for some veteran Saints players, like Alvin Kamara and Cameron Jordan. That being said, it's not often you see many interim coaches getting the full-time job and it working out.
Players in Las Vegas lobbied for Antonio Pierce to land the job for the Raiders. He was fired a year later. Of course, you cannot always compare those situations or outcomes.
Rizzi has been around the NFL for quite some time and shares strong relationships around the league. He's been one of the best special teams coordinators in football over the last decade, and Sean Payton holds him in incredibly high regard.
Rizzi is a strong candidate for the Saints and had a strong interview with them earlier in the week. In my mind, the top two options in these rankings provide a bit more upside in the long-term.
2. Mike McCarthy, former HC, Dallas Cowboys
This one may surprise many folks. McCarthy and Dallas went their separate ways recently as a new deal never came to fruition.
I still believe that McCarthy is an impressive motivator and experienced offensive mind. He provides a floor as a head coach that many of the other available candidates just do not have on their resumé.
He's won a Super Bowl. Many quarterbacks, including Dan Prescott and Aaron Rodgers, believe in his teachings. He'd provide clear stability for an organization that may have to take their lumps over the next couple of years.
A reset is necessary for the Saints, and McCarthy lines up as a top option to endure that, rather than a risky, younger candidate, who is trying to prove themselves as a first-time NFL HC.
1. Joe Brady, OC, Buffalo Bills
Brady is my top option. He's a great blend of youth and scheme that I believe will translate well once he grabs a head coach job. It is more of a "when" rather than an "if" in that department, according to many circles around the NFL.
Brady has engineered an offense in 2024, led by Josh Allen, that seemingly set a new league or franchise record in nearly every week over the final month of the regular season.
Joe Brady has completely overhauled the Bills offense since taking over after Week 10 in 2023. He took them from good to great, and has the offense performing at an elite level with an unassuming cast of characters. His innovative offense, infectious energy, and ability to communicate is exactly why he’s drawing so many looks.
That said, he’s only 35 years old. A young OC jumping to the role of head coach is a hard leap to make, and the Bills are going to likely do whatever they can to keep their core together and growing into the future. Brady is a terrific coach, and if he can navigate the stress and responsibility of running the show by bringing in a great and experienced supporting cast, he could find success. His energy will certainly help him win over a locker room.
-- Jon Helmkamp
They run the ball incredibly efficiently, and the downfield passing game has seen improvements since he took over the play-calling duties in Buffalo. In every sense of the word, the Bills' youth has "grown up" since Brady's elevation.
The Saints hope to interview Brady for a second time early next week. The Bills are slated to play in the AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend.
Kliff Kingsbury (Washington Commanders OC) and Kellen Moore (Philadelphia Eagles OC) are two other potential names that may be added to the list for the Saints. Both of their teams will play in the NFC Championship this weekend.
