Mike McCarthy withdraws from Saints coaching search

By Ross Jackson

MOBILE, Ala. — Another big shift in the New Orleans Saints head coach search could point to a decision drawing near. 

Hours after Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury withdrew from consideration for the Saints’ open head coach position, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that ex-Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has withdrawn as well. 

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

Per the report, McCarthy is choosing to focus on the 2026 coaching cycle instead. 

NFL on FOX Insider Jordan Schultz noted that McCarthy withdrew before he was potentially passed on for Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who interviewed with the team Monday into the early hours of Tuesday morning. 

There have also been reports that the Saints were “not enamored” with McCarthy as a candidate either. So perhaps this was a move that was bound to happen one way or another. 

The Saints candidate list now includes Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, interim head coach Darren Rizzi, New York Giants offensive coordinator and assistant head coach Mike Kafka, along with Moore. 

If McCarthy’s withdrawal is connected to a clear leader among the group, a hire could be on the way sooner rather than later for New Orleans.