Mike McCarthy will reportedly not assume the role of head coach for the New Orleans Saints this season. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, McCarthy has opted to concentrate on the 2026 hiring cycle following his departure from the Dallas Cowboys after the 2024 campaign. This decision appears to be a personal one for McCarthy, although the circumstances surrounding his position in the league may have played a significant role. Dallas quickly transitioned to Brian Schottenheimer, while other teams made notable coaching changes as well.

With significant coaching shifts occurring across the league, the Saints emerged as one of the few remaining openings. However, reports from Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports indicate that McCarthy did not generate the level of interest from New Orleans that he had anticipated. Schultz noted that Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has emerged as the frontrunner for the NFC South team, although Moore's focus will likely be split as he prepares for a Super Bowl appearance alongside his team.

Despite the recent developments in the coaching cycle not unfolding as hoped for McCarthy, he is expected to attract considerable interest in the offseason following the 2025 campaign. His impressive resume features a Super Bowl championship, a 174-112-2 overall record, and twelve playoff appearances during his 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers and Cowboys. Achieving playoff berths twice as often as missing them is a noteworthy accomplishment that will not go unnoticed by other teams. Furthermore, McCarthy's extensive offensive background, having served as an offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers and his experience working with talented quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott, positions him as an appealing candidate for teams with young signal-callers in the coming years.