The Saints’ Coaching Conundrum: A Job Nobody Wants
The New Orleans Saints are facing a daunting task: finding a head coach willing to take on the team’s numerous challenges. With 31 of 32 NFL head coaching positions filled, the Saints are the only team still searching for a leader. But it’s not for lack of trying – they’ve already been rejected by two top candidates.
Aging Roster and Salary Cap Woes
Former Saints defensive back and defensive backs coach Aaron Glenn declined an interview, opting for the New York Jets job instead. Then, the Saints turned to former assistant and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, only to be rebuffed again when he chose to stay in Buffalo. These rejections are a stark reminder of the team’s unappealing situation. The Saints are mired in salary cap hell, with an aging roster and no clear solution at quarterback. The combined salaries of Derek Carr, Taysom Hill, Cam Jordan, Demario Davis, and Tyrann Mathieu – a whopping $113 million against the cap in 2025 – are a significant burden.
A Glimmer of Hope in the NFC South
The one bright spot is the Saints’ location in the NFC South, one of the weaker divisions in the NFL. This could provide a glimmer of hope for a new coach looking to make a quick impact.
New Candidates Emerge
With Glenn and Brady out of the picture, the Saints are moving on to other options. Today, they’ll interview Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who reportedly impressed the team in a Zoom interview and is eager to become a head coach. Other possibilities include former Green Bay and Dallas coach Mike McCarthy, who has expressed interest in the job, and Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
A Far Cry from the Payton Era
The Saints’ current struggles are a far cry from the successful Drew Brees/Sean Payton era, which now feels like a distant memory. The team’s future looks uncertain, and it’s unclear who will be willing to take on the challenge of turning things around.
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