Report: Mike McCarthy not in Saints' plans, focused on '26

Field Level Media|published: Wed 29th January, 10:52 2025

Dec 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Mike McCarthy is out of the running for the New Orleans Saints' head coaching job and no longer plans to coach in 2025, ESPN reported late Tuesday.

The Dallas Cowboys didn't renew the contract of McCarthy following a 7-10 season in 2024. He was 49-35 with two NFC East titles in five seasons in Dallas. He is 174-112-2 in 18 seasons as a head coach, including 125 wins and a Super Bowl championship with the Green Bay Packers (2006-18).

McCarthy, 61, was scheduled to have a first interview with the Saints this week but instead will focus on the 2026 hiring cycle, ESPN and NFL Network reported.

He interviewed for the vacancy in Chicago earlier this month before the Bears hired former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

The Saints are currently the only team without a head coach after firing Dennis Allen in November after a 2-7 start. New Orleans went 3-5 under interim coach Darren Rizzi.

Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has emerged as a "lead candidate," ESPN reported. He is one of three candidates who have conducted second interviews with the Saints, along with Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.

--Field Level Media

Latest