The New Orleans Saints enter an offseason of major change, as they look for their next head coach candidate. They just lost their top choice as the New York Jets hired Aaron Glenn for their opening.
There have now been three head coach hires and two were known to be wanted by the Saints, Glenn and Mike Vrabel. They are currently in the process of going through some second interviews and there are still some very interesting names being looked at. There are also some less exciting options being considered.
It is going to be a tough rebuild, so whoever takes the job will have a tall task ahead of them. Here is a ranking of the top candidates to be the next head coach in New Orleans:
Buffalo Bills OC Joe Brady
Oct 20, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady on th field before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Brady has come a long way in a very quick time since being a Saints assistant back in 2018. He skyrocketed after playing a key role in the historic 2019 LSU Tigers. His stock as took a bit of a hit after a rough stint with the Carolina Panthers, but has come back strong over his few year with the Bills.
The youngster would be an interesting and risky pick given his age, but his innovation could be exactly what the team needs heading into the next era.
Miami Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver
Jun 4, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver works with his players during mandatory minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Weaver has been a growing name in the head coach cycle for the past few years and seems to be a serious candidate to end up in New Orleans. He’s one of the few coaches to get a second interview so far.
Weaver has helmed fantastic defenses and seems to be highly regarded as a leader off the field. Given their interest in Vrabel and the choice of Darren Rizzi as interim, this makes sense as a fit.
Former Dallas Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 29: Head coach Mike McCarthy of the Dallas Cowboys looks on during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 29, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
One of the more divisive names in the search. McCarthy wouldn’t be the most exciting hire, but he would be one of the more proven. He is the closest to Sean Payton of anyone being considered and that seems to be an important factor for Mickey Loomis and the search party.
He has won a Super Bowl, but fell on hard times having to deal with Jerry Jones and the Cowboys. Perhaps he could blossom once again if given more agency in the head coach role.
Washington Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 05: Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury of the Washington Commanders talks with players prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Kingsbury has already been a head coach in the NFL and it failed miserably, but is earning another look after the success of the Commanders offense this season. A lot of their improvements have come because of Jayden Daniels, yes, but the scheme has been smart and effective as well.
New York Giants OC Mike Kafka
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 11: Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka of the New York Giants looks on ahead of the the preseason game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
This was a bit of a surprising name to her be a serious candidate, given just how poorly the Giants were this offseason, but Kafka is still held in high regard from his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Andy Reid coaching tree will continue to spit out head coaches for some time to come.
The 37-year-old keeps coming close to landing head coaching jobs and a poor season in New York with little talent to work with likely won’t change that. Their offense hasn’t been exactly otherworldly during his tenure, dating back to 2022, thouhg.
Interim Coach Darren Rizzi
Dec 29, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi during warm ups before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
This is a long shot, but Alvin Kamara just recently endorsed him so he can’t be counted out yet. Rizzi is obviously beloved by the players and never really got a fair shot given the state of the roster that he took over. It would be impossible to hand him the keys to the team after how poorly the end of the season went, though.
More than likely, he will once again become the highest-paid special teams coach somewhere new as he rebuilds his profile.
Former Las Vegas Raiders HC Jon Gruden
Aug 15, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden (left) and quarterback Nathan Peterman (3) watch from the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals. The Raiders defeated the Cardinals 33-26. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nightmare scenario. Gruden and Saints quarterback Derek Carr are buddy-buddy, but that should by no means make him a candidate to be the team’s head coach. Even looking past the reasons that he is no longer a coach, it has been over 20 years since he won the Super Bowl and he did that with someone else’s roster.