The New Orleans Saints parted ways with Dennis Allen in November after a seven-game skid. Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi was given the interim coaching tag.
The NFL franchise’s search for its next head coach remains active, but the team now knows of at least one person who didn’t get 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 Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady has withdrawn his name from consideration for the role, according to a report from NFL Media.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, even though New Orleans wants to “interview Brady for a second time,” NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Brady’s name had also been linked to other head coaching openings during the ongoing recruiting cycle.
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Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady watches from the field before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on January 7, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (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 respectively. But, the subsequent losing streak led Saints ownership to make an in-season coaching change.
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“Dennis has been a 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 is an excellent football coach for us. All of this makes today very difficult for me and our organization. However, this decision is something that We feel like we need to do at this time I wish nothing but the best in the future for Dennis and his family.
General view of the New Orleans Saints logo as the Fleur-de-Lis midfield logo after the game between the New Orleans Saints and the Las Vegas Raiders at Caesars Superdome. (Stephen Lew-USA Today Sports)
Allen finished his coaching tenure in New Orleans with a record of 18-25. Allen spent seven seasons as New Orleans’ defensive coordinator before succeeding Sean Payton as the franchise’s head coach. Allen is now the leading candidate for the Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator role, ESPN reported.
Payton, who led the Saints to the franchise’s Lone Super Bowl, turned to broadcasting in 2022 after resigning from his head coaching position. He returned to the sideline in 2023 when he was named the next head coach of the Denver Broncos.
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady meets with Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on October 27, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (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 amid the extensive head coaching search. Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellan Moore participated in a virtual interview last week, the team announced.
In his second season as a Bills PlayCaller, Brady assisted star quarterback Josh Allen in arguably the best season of his career. Allen, who was recently named an NFL MVP finalist, threw 28 touchdowns against just 6 interceptions during the regular season. He hasn’t thrown an interception in the two postseason games he’s played in so far.
The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Bills on Sunday for the AFC championship game. On the NFC side, the Eagles will welcome the Washington Commanders to Lincoln Financial Field. The winner of those games will meet in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX.
