Report: Falcons coach declines interview for Saints coaching staff

By Ross Jackson

As the New Orleans Saints continue to build out their new coaching staff, their pursuit of all three coordinator spots will require a more extensive search than the position jobs that have begun to quickly fill up. 

On Friday evening, reports provided some context to one of the team’s ongoing searches for the open offensive coordinator position. While the favorite to land the position has been Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier, New Orleans has begun to look at alternative candidates, as well. At least, they’re trying, but one candidate didn’t make it very easy. 

Per NFL on CBS lead NFL insider Jonathan Jones, Atlanta Falcons tight ends coach Kevin Koger declined the Saints’ request to interview him for the open offensive coordinator position. 

Saints head coach Kellen Moore intends to call plays on offense, so the coordinator position would be an important one when it comes to installing the system and other varied responsibilities. Not having an opportunity to call plays doesn’t seem to be related to why Koger declined the request. 

Koger has interviewed for the same position this coaching cycle with the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys; both jobs will be non-play-calling positions.

Newly appointed Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer will call plays, per team owner Jerry Jones. Meanwhile, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has already stated that he will assume playcalling duties in Cleveland. 

While the reason for Koger’s decline is currently unclear, one can assume that he is simply not interested in leaving his spot with the division rival Falcons or perhaps has learned through his previous interviews that he would rather hold out for a playcalling opportunity. 

New Orleans will continue its search, as it looks to fill all three coordinator roles. 

Koger overlapped with Moore in 2023 while both worked together on the Los Angeles Chargers’ coaching staff. There looks to be no reunion on the way for the former colleagues in 2025.