Who will replace Dennis Allen? 5 names who have been linked with the New Orleans Saints feat. Mike McCarthy

The New Orleans Saints sacked head coach Dennis Allen in November following a 2–7 start to the 2024 season. Darren Rizzi, the special teams coordinator, was then elevated to interim head coach.

Following Allen's dismissal, Rizzi ended the 2024 regular season with a 3-5 record.

The Saints are now in the process of hiring a new permanent head coach. According to reports, the team has asked several candidates for interviews in 2025.

Here, we'll examine a number of names that have been linked with the open head coaching position of the Saints.

Dennis Allen's potential replacements

1) Mike McCarthy - Former Dallas Cowboys HC

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy - Source: Getty

After five years together, the Cowboys announced Monday that Mike McCarthy was leaving the team. The 61-year-old head coach earned three postseason berths and a 49-35 record over his five years in Dallas.

McCarthy served as an offensive coordinator with the Saints from 2000 to 2004, leading one of the NFL's most dynamic attacks.

According to reports, former general manager Randy Mueller, who was among those who recruited McCarthy for that offensive coordinator position 25 years ago, is advising the team on its ongoing head coach quest. This could open the door for McCarthy, who led the Green Bay Packers to win Super Bowl XLV, to become the next Saints' head coach.

2) Aaron Glenn - Detroit Lions defensive coordinator

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn - Source: Imagn

Aaron Glenn has been the front-runner to succeed Dennis Allen since his dismissal.

Glenn, who played for the team and served as a defensive backs coach there after his playing career, has often been linked to the open head coach position in New Orleans. However, he also played for the New York Jets and is a contender for their head coaching position.

3) Anthony Weaver - Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator

Miami Dolphins Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver - Source: Getty

The Miami Dolphins defense, commanded by Anthony Weaver, performed admirably this season, ranking fourth in yards allowed per game and tenth in the league in points allowed. The Saints have reportedly already interviewed Weaver as a contender for their open head coach position.

The Chicago Bears have also been linked with him as they try to find a head coach.

4) Joe Brady - Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator

Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady - Source: Imagn

Before joining LSU as a wide receiver coach and passing attack coordinator, Joe Brady worked as an offensive assistant for a year with the New Orleans Saints. While at LSU, he helped create arguably the most outstanding college offense in history.

Brady, the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, has helped QB Josh Allen to achieve probably the best season of his career. Additionally, Buffalo's offense made NFL history this season by becoming the first to record 30+ passing touchdowns and 30+ rushing touchdowns in a single season.

5) Kliff Kingsbury - Washington Commanders offensive coordinator

Kliff Kingsbury, offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders - Source: Imagn

Kliff Kingsbury, the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, is reportedly scheduled to have online interviews with the New Orleans Saints this week.

Kingsbury helped the Commanders defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round on Sunday after they finished the regular season with a 12-5 record.

Kingsbury has only had one spell as a head coach in the NFL, coaching the Arizona Cardinals from 2019 to 2022. Although his coaching stint with the Cardinals ended with a losing 28-37-1 record, he did guide the team to an 11-6 record and a postseason trip in 2021.