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Drew Brees Gives Honest Take on Saints' Coaching Search: Exclusive

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Austin Boyd | Last updated Jan 25, 2025 2:42 PM ET

With the Dallas Cowboys hiring Brian Schottenheimer as head coach on Friday, the New Orleans Saints are the only NFL team that still has a head coaching job available. Now that there's no competition, they can take their time finding their next leader but have already interviewed a strong list of candidates.

Among the most notable names still linked to the job are former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, Saints interim head coach from this season Darren Rizzi and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

Former quarterback Drew Brees led the Saints to their most successful period in franchise history. He recently spoke to Athlon about the head coaching search on behalf of Bounty's Super Bowl campaign and gave his honest thoughts.

"There's a bunch of great candidates out there, and whether the Saints choose to stay in-house or go outside," Brees told Athlon. "The unique thing with some of the candidates they're talking to is that they have New Orleans ties. Mike McCarthy was an assistant in New Orleans during his career so I know he's got some good relationships there. Joe Brady, the offensive coordinator for the Bills, was an offensive assistant while I was there for a couple of years before he went to LSU so he's got great relationships, great rapport. Obviously, Darren Rizzi did a great job as an interim head coach. Look, I think we've got a bunch of great candidates."

Rizzi and McCarthy are available to be hired now but Brady is still going through a playoff run with the Bills. With no other teams looking for a head coach, New Orleans is free to wait out the playoffs and see what other candidates could interest them.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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