The New Orleans Saints are the only NFL team remaining with a head coaching vacancy. They missed out on another candidate.
According to Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz, Kliff Kingsbury will stay with the Washington Commanders. The offensive coordinator declined an opportunity to interview with New Orleans.
Kingsbury isn't the first coach to turn down the Saints. Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady pulled his name from consideration shortly before Sunday's AFC Championship Game loss.
Fans responded to the latest unfortunate development in New Orleans' coaching search.
"Maybe not as jarring as Joe Brady declining 2nd interview with Saints since Kingsbury had previously declined all coaching interviews while the Commanders were still playing," Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football noted. "But cold, hard truth remains that young rising coaches would rather wait for a better future opportunity."
"Absolutely hilarious that no one wants to coach the Saints," a fan wrote.
"I think the only thing keeping me going right now is watching the Saints get told no over and over and over," Jordan D. Hill said.
"Smart move to stay put for another year," another fan claimed. "Saints job is a disaster right now."
New Orleans fired Dennis Allen after losing seven straight games in his third season as head coach. The Saints finished 5-12, their most losses in a single season since signing Drew Brees in 2006.
Whoever takes the job will inherit a team projected to be $52 million over the 2025 salary cap. The Saints must decide whether to bring back Derek Carr for a third season or find a new quarterback.
Perhaps it's not the most desirable job, but any NFL head coaching position will garner interest.
The Saints have recently conducted in-person interviews with New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, and Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi remain in the conversation.
