Mike McCarthy pulls out of Saints' head-coaching search, revealing clear favorite to land the job

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Jan 29, 2025 1:37 AM ET

The updates continue to flood in for the New Orleans Saints, as they continue to search for their next head coach. All of the other HC openings have been filled in recent weeks.

One of the most experienced candidates won't land in New Orleans this offseason.

Mike McCarthy pulls out of running

The former Dallas Cowboys HC has removed himself from the Saints' search. He will focus on an opportunity during the 2026 hiring cycle.

Former #Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy has decided to focus on the 2026 hiring cycle and will not coach in the NFL this season, sources tell me and @RapSheet.

McCarthy, who has made the playoffs 12 times in 18 seasons, is expected to be a strong candidate a year from now. pic.twitter.com/Vr8mMijIkq
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 29, 2025

According to Nick Underhill, the Saints never scheduled anything with McCarthy. The two sides planned to talk this week, but it never happened.

Kellen Moore emerges

The Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator is considered the most likely option for the Saints now.

Coming off the #Saints’ second interview with Kellen Moore, the #Eagles’ OC remains the most likely head coach in New Orleans but nothing is, or can be, finalized at this point. https://t.co/i1cDfmW6mf
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 29, 2025

"It does seem like Kellen Moore is in a very strong position with the Saints."

-- Ian Rapoport

Sources: Mike McCarthy did not garner the interest from the Saints that he anticipated — and it’s starting to seem like Eagles OC Kellen Moore is the leader in the clubhouse in New Orleans.

-- Jordan Schultz

Moore met with the Saints earlier this week. Members of the Saints' front office flew to Philly to meet with him regarding their head coach opening.

No deal or negotiations can happen while the Eagles remain in postseason play. That being said, their strong pursuit of him and his shared intrigue can send a message to other candidates.

Mike Kafka, Anthony Weaver, and Darren Rizzi remain the other known HC candidates for the Saints.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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