By Ross Jackson
With eight candidate interviews now requested or confirmed, the New Orleans Saints are filling out their head coach search.
So far, the team has put together a list that includes a blend of familiar and unfamiliar faces from a variety of backgrounds. The list is expected to grow, but considering the first eight candidates, here are my power rankings of the potential future Saints head coaches.
The criteria focus less on what’s likely to happen and more on which candidates are realistic options who could provide a positive trajectory for the team, even if not immediately.
1. Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn
No surprise that Glenn is the favorite. It’s expected to be a battle between New Orleans and the New York Jets to land him. His familiarity with New Orleans would bring comfort to the front office, but his coaching approach would differ significantly from former head coach Dennis Allen. Hiring a defensive-minded head coach would also allow the team to run things back on offense, provided Glenn approves of the current coaching staff on that side of the ball.
2. Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady
Brady, like Glenn, brings familiarity but would likely introduce even more change to the team. The offense he runs has elements of what the Saints did in 2024, but would be a departure. If hired, it’s likely that offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak would be a one-and-done, with Brady taking over play-calling duties. He would also have to hire a defensive coordinator—ideally one that updates the approaches to better matchup with modern-day offenses.
3. Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury
Hiring Kingsbury would bring similar change and impact as Brady. However, the extra turn would be at the quarterback position. Considering the dynamic players Kingsbury has historically maximized throughout his career, this hire would likely suggest a change at signal caller.
4. Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi
Hiring Rizzi is certainly a possibility for New Orleans. Given how well he generated buy-in and influenced shifts in the team’s approach, he wouldn’t be a bad choice. The caveat, however, is that significant changes around Rizzi would still be necessary to generate support from the fanbase.
5. Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver
Weaver brings one very important element with him wherever he is hired: accountability. Like Glenn, he’s a former NFL player who has been exposed to hard-nosed coaching approaches, which he would likely bring with him, along with the ability to uniquely connect with his roster.
6. Ex-Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel
If the organization wants change and accountability, this is where they’ll find it. The only thing that stands in their way is the connection that Vrabel has with the New England Patriots. That fit feels all but set.
7. Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore
This is an interesting option, but one that is hard to see being a fit. Since his success with the Dallas Cowboys, Moore has been in and out of head coaching conversations.
8. New York Giants offensive coordinator and assistant head coach Mike Kafka
An Andy Reid disciple, Kafka continues to draw interest. This is certainly not a name that inspires a lot of confidence.
