Mike McCarthy, the former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, has made a surprising decision to pull out of the running for the head coaching position with the New Orleans Saints. This unexpected move has left many football fans and analysts wondering about the future of the Saints and who might step in to fill the vacant coaching role.
Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has emerged as a leading candidate to take over the Saints’ head coaching position, according to sources close to the situation. The Saints have conducted second interviews with three known candidates, including Moore, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. Moore’s interview took place following an impressive showing by the Eagles’ offense in a dominant NFC Championship Game performance.
McCarthy, who had been scheduled to interview with the Saints this week, has opted to focus on the 2026 coaching cycle instead. This decision comes after McCarthy’s tenure with the Cowboys came to an end, with his contract expiring and both sides agreeing to part ways. McCarthy had a solid record during his time with the Cowboys, but the team’s lack of postseason success ultimately led to his departure.
The Saints are the only remaining NFL team with a head coaching vacancy, following the firing of Dennis Allen during the season. Special teams coach Darren Rizzi stepped in as the interim head coach, but the team has been actively searching for a permanent replacement. Several notable candidates, including Kliff Kingsbury and Joe Brady, have decided not to pursue the position, while others, like Aaron Glenn, have taken coaching opportunities elsewhere.
McCarthy’s decision to sit out a year before pursuing another coaching opportunity is not unprecedented. Following his departure from the Green Bay Packers in 2018, McCarthy took a year off before exploring potential coaching positions with other teams. This strategic approach has allowed him to reevaluate his coaching goals and priorities before committing to a new opportunity.
As the coaching carousel continues to spin in the NFL, the Saints find themselves at a crossroads, searching for the right candidate to lead their team to success in the upcoming season. With Kellen Moore emerging as a strong contender for the position, the Saints will need to carefully weigh their options and make a decision that will set them on a path towards victory in the competitive world of professional football.
