The New Orleans Saints are set to hire a new head coach after the Super Bowl, but the chosen candidate will face an immediate hurdle: assembling a coaching staff in a tight timeframe.
With the Saints being the only NFL team yet to fill their head coaching vacancy, the task is further complicated by the limited pool of available candidates.
The Saints’ coaching search has been rocky. After the 2024 regular season, their opening was widely seen as the least appealing in the league due to an aging roster, a dire salary cap situation, and uncertainty surrounding the general manager. As a result, several candidates canceled or declined interviews.
Now, with the Super Bowl approaching, the Saints have reportedly targeted Kellen Moore, the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator, as their top choice. However, Moore cannot be hired until after the Eagles’ season ends. Whether it’s Moore or another candidate, the new coach will need to act quickly to build a staff, as many top assistants have already secured jobs elsewhere.
The Saints are facing a major coaching overhaul. In addition to replacing head coach Dennis Allen, the team must fill vacancies at offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach, offensive line coach, linebackers coach, and running backs coach. Former offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has joined the Seattle Seahawks, and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi is expected to move to the Denver Broncos. Several other assistants have also departed.
Typically, head coaches retain some staff from the previous regime, but the Saints’ late hiring timeline leaves the new coach with a shrinking pool of qualified candidates. While experienced coaches remain available, the Saints’ next leader will need to move swiftly to secure the best possible staff.
As the Saints prepare for the 2025 season, the pressure is on to make the right hires and turn the franchise around. The new head coach’s ability to assemble a competent staff will be critical to the team’s success.
