NFL Rumors: Latest on Mike McCarthy, Kliff Kingsbury, Kellen Moore for Saints HC Job

The New Orleans Saints are the last team with a vacant head coaching position, and their search is reportedly set to pick up in the coming week.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on SportsCenter on Sunday that the Saints are interested in interviewing Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and have already talked with Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Schefter also mentioned former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy along with a few other names as potential options.

"They had some interest in talking to the Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury," Schefter said. "They've spoken to the Eagles' offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. And so, we'll see how today's games play out. One of those individuals will be available either way. Keller Moore is expected to interview this week with the Saints, no matter what happens. If the Commanders lose, then Kliff Kingsbury would be eligible to talk to them. And at some point this week, I would expect that the Saints are going to be talking to Mike McCarthy, the former Cowboys head coach. I think he's right there amongst the favorites, if not the favorite for the job right now. Anthony Weaver from the Dolphins had a great interview this past week. Mike Kafka, the Giants offense coordinator was in. I think most people around the league believe that McCarthy is a name here to watch moving forward, but let's see how today's games play out."

Kingsbury and Moore will square off on Sunday as the Commanders take on the Eagles in the NFC championship. According to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.football, Kingsbury has not yet decided if he will interview with the Saints, instead keeping his focus on Washington's season.

Moore, however, could get one step closer to the Saints head coaching job this week as Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that New Orleans is eyeing a second interview with him.

McCarthy, who parted ways with the Cowboys after the two sides couldn't agree on a new contract, is set to interview with the Saints this week, Schefter reported on Thursday. While McCarthy's tenure in Dallas never resulted in more than a divisional-round appearance, he remains one of the more experienced coaches and could be what New Orleans needs after years of struggle.

As Schefter noted on SportsCenter, Anthony Weaver already had a "great" interview with the Saints. Weaver has no prior experience as an NFL head coach, but has done a tremendous job in his sole season as the Miami Dolphins' defensive coordinator. Under Weaver, the Dolphins went from having the 22nd-ranked scoring defense in 2023 to 10th this season.

Mike Kafka, who has been the New York Giants offensive coordinator since 2022, has been a candidate for both the Saints and the Chicago Bears, who ultimately hired Ben Johnson. According to ESPN's Jordan Raanan, Kafka is expected to bring Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale with him to New Orleans as his defensive coordinator if he lands the job.

Schefter mentioned that McCarthy appears to be the "name here to watch," but that could change as New Orleans continues its interviews in the coming days.