With the 2024 regular season over, the offseason is already heating up with six head coaching vacancies and two general manager openings, as teams across the league search for fresh leadership and a new direction. Among the head coaching opportunities, the New Orleans Saints vacancy stands out as a big challenge.
The post-Sean Payton era in New Orleans has been filled with inconsistencies, leaving the franchise searching for a head coach for the second time in three seasons. The worse salary cap in the league and uncertainty at the quarterback position have made the Saints job a less-than-ideal destination for candidates.
The Saints' head coaching vacancy is one of six openings in a competitive market that includes a couple legendary franchises: Chicago Bears and New England Patriots. But also intriguing teams like the New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars. While the Saints have one of the most passionate fanbases and a proud history, the challenges that come with the job make it a tough sell compared to teams like the Bears, with their promising young quarterback, or the Jets, who have a star-studded defense and big-market appeal.
The good and bad of the Saints’ head coaching job
The Bad: The Saints' head coaching job, like any NFL position, carries intrigue simply because of the exclusiveness it holds. However, when stacked against the other openings, it’s hard not to say that the Saints position is the least attractive. The combination of the roster situation, the league’s worst salary cap, and uncertainty at quarterback makes this a extremely tough challenge for any aspiring head coach. While the Saints’ storied history and mega fanbase offers appeal, the reality is clear that this job is far from the top of the wish list in this year’s openings.
The Good: The Saints provide something rare in the NFL, patience and stability. In a league driven by instant gratification, New Orleans stands as one of the only organizations willing to invest in a vision set by its leaders. While many franchises demand immediate results regardless of circumstance, the Saints have shown a commitment to allowing their coaches and executives the time and space to build. Due to the salary cap situation, it's fair to believe that the next head coach in New Orleans will essentially get a built in free year for something to build upon. Also to go along with the fact the Saints have stable ownership and a stable general manager.
Ultimately, while the New Orleans Saints head coaching vacancy may not be the most glamorous or immediately rewarding opportunity in 2025, it offers a unique challenge for the right candidate. With a patient ownership group, stable front office, and a passionate fanbase, the Saints present a rare opportunity to build something lasting, even if the road to success is paved with obstacles. For a coach willing to navigate the league’s toughest salary cap and quarterback questions, the potential to reshape the franchise could make the Saints job one of the most rewarding long-term positions in the NFL. The question is, who will be bold enough to take on that challenge?