The New Orleans Saints parted ways with head coach Dennis Allen in November after a seven-game losing skid, and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi became the team’s interim head coach.
The NFL franchise’s search for its next head coach remains active, but the team now knows at least one candidate who will not land the job. Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady has withdrawn his name from consideration for the role, according to a report from NFL Media.
Brady prefers to continue guiding the Bills’ offense despite New Orleans wanting “to interview Brady a second time,” NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
Brady’s name had also been linked to other head coaching openings.
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Buffalo Bills coach Joe Brady before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium Jan. 7, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
New Orleans’ 2024 season got off to a promising start, with the team winning its first two games by 37 and 25 points. But a losing streak that followed prompted Saints ownership to make an in-season coaching change.
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“Dennis has been part of our organization for many years,” team owner Gayle Benson said in a statement shortly after the franchise announced Allen’s firing. “He is highly regarded within the NFL. He has been extremely loyal and professional and, most importantly, an excellent football coach for us. All of this makes today very tough for me and our organization.
“However, this decision is something that I felt we needed to make at this time. I wish nothing but the best in the future for Dennis and his family. He will always be considered in the highest regard by me and everyone within our organization.”
The New Orleans Saints’ logo at Caesars Superdome (Stephen Lew/USA Today Sports)
Allen ended his head coaching tenure in New Orleans with an 18-25 record. Allen spent seven seasons as New Orleans’ defensive coordinator before succeeding Sean Payton as the franchise’s head coach. Allen is now a top candidate for the Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator role, ESPN reported.
Payton, who guided the Saints to the franchise’s lone Super Bowl title, turned to broadcasting in 2022 after stepping down from the Saints. He returned to the sideline in 2023 as head coach of the Denver Broncos.
Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady stands with Josh Allen before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field Oct. 27, 2024, in Seattle. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Rizzi, along with New York Giants defensive coordinator Mike Kafka and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, have completed interviews with the Saints during the wide-ranging head coaching search. Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore had a virtual interview last week, the team announced.
In his second season as the Bills’ play-caller, Brady guided star quarterback Josh Allen to arguably his best season. Allen, recently named an NFL MVP finalist, threw for 28 touchdowns and just six interceptions during the regular season. He did not throw an interception in the two postseason games he’s played in thus far.
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The Kansas City Chiefs host the Bills Sunday in the AFC championship game. On the NFC side, the Eagles will welcome the Washington Commanders to Lincoln Financial Field. The winners meet in the Super Bowl Feb. 9.
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