Who do the New Orleans Saints have interest in to be their next head coach? All of the other openings have been filled around the NFL recently. Only the Saints' HC opening remains. 

There a handful of names to know regarding the head-coaching vacancy for the Saints so far. Keep in mind that New Orleans is the only team left as an option for a HC job for these names. 

Ranking remaining Saints HC candidates 

*I ranked the four remaining candidates who have received a second interview with New Orleans. This list was updated after Mike McCarthy pulled out of the running for the job. 

4. Mike Kafka, OC, New York Giants

The interest in Kafka has been widespread over the past couple of years. Many openings have held interest and an interview with him regarding offensive coordinator or head-coaching spots. 

That being said, it is a bit hard to figure out. He clearly has notable connections when it comes to coaching staffs, and front offices hold him in high regards for a reason. 

Regardless, he's proven the least when it comes to the production of his units, compared to some of the other options for the Saints. He will have his second interview, an in-person one, with New Orleans on Saturday. 

3. Anthony Weaver, DC, Miami Dolphins

Weaver interviewed with New Orleans for a second time on Friday. The young, fiery defensive coordinator in Miami has gotten interest from multiple teams during this cycle, a sign that he may land a HC job sooner than later in the coming years. 

His unit with the Dolphins grew a lot in 2024, making notable improvements along their pass rush compared to 2023. Not to mention, the secondary had some lesser-known pieces show development, that maybe the team did not even expect. 

Weaver is an intriguing option and the best defensive candidate on the Saints' list, in my opinion. 

2. Darren Rizzi, interim HC/STC, New Orleans Saints

Rizzi is the choice for some veteran Saints players, like Alvin Kamara and Cameron Jordan. That being said, it's not often you see many interim coaches getting the full-time job and it working out. 

Players in Las Vegas lobbied for Antonio Pierce to land the job for the Raiders. He was fired a year later. Of course, you cannot always compare those situations or outcomes. 

Rizzi has been around the NFL for quite some time and shares strong relationships around the league. He's been one of the best special teams coordinators in football over the last decade, and Sean Payton holds him in incredibly high regard. 

Rizzi is a strong candidate for the Saints and had a strong interview with them earlier in the week. In my mind, the top  two options in these rankings provide a bit more upside in the long-term. 

1. Kellen Moore, OC, Philadelphia Eagles

This spot belonged to Joe Brady until this past weekend. He pulled out of the running, and Moore has seemingly elevated into a notable position when it comes to New Orleans' interest. 

According to reports, Saints executives plan to fly to Philadelphia to interview Moore in person early this week. His Eagles have earned a berth in the Super Bowl, which will be played in New Orleans in a couple of weeks. 

Moore has engineered an offensive juggernaut with the Eagles this season. After stops with the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Chargers, he's found a nice home with a top-flight offensive line, a mobile quarterback, and the best running back in football.

If Moore were to take the Saints job, those factors would not be in play off the bat. They'll need a roster construction makeover, but he presents some intriguing offensive concepts, similar to what gives upside to Mike McCarthy. 

Moore is a younger option than Mike McCarthy was and may inspire fans a bit more.

New Orleans would not be able to hire Moore until after the Super Bowl. That being said, it is safe to say that they'll know within the week whether or not a deal seems likely with the Eagles OC. Their pursuit past their first in-person meeting will show their hand when it comes to other candidates.

No one else has been reported as a candidate for the job. 

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