- The New Orleans Saints are the last NFL team still searching for a head coach after firing Dennis Allen in November 2024
- Mike McCarthy and Kellen Moore have emerged as the betting favorites to land the Saints job
- See the latest Saints next coach odds, with previous top candidates Joe Brady, Aaron Glenn, and Pete Carroll no longer available
With HC vacancies filled across the league, the New Orleans Saints stand alone as the final team still seeking their next head coach. After dismissing Dennis Allen midway through a disappointing 2024 season that saw the team stumble to a 2-7 start, the Saints are hoping to find the right coach to get the proud franchise back on track.
Sportsbooks, as well as the predictive betting market Kalshi, are adding to the intrigue by offering Saints next head coaching odds. Mike McCarthy and Kellen Moore are the current favorites, but there are some intriguing longshots to land the gig.
Let’s take a look at how the odds are shaping up for the Saints’ head coaching search.
Saints Coach Odds
Here are the latest odds for who will be the next head coach of the New Orleans Saints:
| Candidate | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Mike McCarthy | -300 | 75% |
| Kellen Moore | +250 | 28.6% |
| Darren Rizzi | +700 | 12.5% |
| Mike Kafka | +900 | 10% |
| Anthony Weaver | +900 | 10% |
| Kliff Kingsbury | +1000 | 9.1% |
Odds as of Jan. 28, 2025. Check out the top football betting sites for wagering on future NFL coaches.
At -300 odds, Mike McCarthy has 75% implied probability of being named the Saints’ next head coach.
McCarthy the Clear Favorite
Mike McCarthy has been instilled as the overwhelming -300 favorite to become the Saints’ next head coach. The former Packers and Cowboys head man boasts an impressive 174-112-2 overall record and a Super Bowl ring from his time in Green Bay. He also has past ties to New Orleans, having served as their offensive coordinator under Jim Haslett from 2000-2004.
Fresh off an ugly ending in Dallas that saw America’s Team miss the playoffs in two of his final three seasons, McCarthy looks like the safe choice for a Saints squad desperately seeking stability. His wealth of experience and proven offensive mind could be just what the doctor ordered to maximize the twilight years of Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, and Michael Thomas.
That said, I’m skeptical McCarthy’s message will land in the Big Easy after things went south quickly in Dallas. The 61-year-old’s squads were often knocked for playing down to their competition and lacking discipline – two issues that plagued the Saints under Allen. If McCarthy does get the keys to the kingdom, he’ll need to show he’s evolved since his Cowboys tenure.
Moore Trending Up on Prediction Markets
While Big Mike is still the odds-on favorite, Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has been gaining significant steam as a top Saints candidate in recent weeks. The 36-year-old wunderkind play-caller is fresh off leading Philadelphia’s high-powered offense to a Super Bowl appearance and has earned rave reviews around the league for his innovative schemes.
Over on prediction market Kalshi, Moore’s implied probability of landing the Saints job has skyrocketed to 49%, giving McCarthy only a slight edge over him as the top choice. The betting markets clearly see Moore’s upside as an intriguing option for a New Orleans offense that sputtered to 22nd in scoring last season and desperately needs a spark.
Moore’s age and relative inexperience as a head coach – he’s only been an OC for three seasons – could work against him. But his undeniable success in Philly, where he oversaw an MVP season from Jalen Hurts and the league’s top rushing attack, has many believing he’s ready to make the leap. If the Saints do opt for Moore over McCarthy, it would signal a clear desire to try to win with a modern offensive approach.
Other Names to Watch
While McCarthy and Moore have moved to the head of the pack, there are a few longer shots still in the mix for New Orleans:
- Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver (+900) is a rising star in the coaching ranks and has earned praise for his work building dominant defenses in Houston and Miami.
- Giants OC Mike Kafka (+900) has drawn head coaching interest for his role in helping turn around Daniel Jones’ career. He could draw comparisons to the last Giants OC-turned-Saints-savior: Sean Payton.
- Current interim head coach Darren Rizzi (+700) has the support of star players like Jordan and Kamara, but it would be a surprise if he retained the job after going just 3-5 down the stretch.
While those names are all interesting, their Next Saints Head coach odds of +700 or longer imply they are major long shots compared to the two front-runners at this stage.
Saints Next Coach Prediction
While McCarthy’s experience and past New Orleans ties make him a logical frontrunner, the betting value lies with Kellen Moore at +250. The mounting buzz around the Eagles’ OC, coupled with the signals coming out of Saints camp about Benson’s desire for an offensive innovator in the Payton mold, suggests Moore is a stronger contender than the odds indicate.
At +250 odds (implied probability of 28.6%), I believe Moore is worth a bet to be the next Saints head coach. He checks all the boxes New Orleans appears to be prioritizing – youth, offensive creativity, upside – and could be the ideal candidate to maximize the team’s talent in the short window before a cap reckoning.
Sometimes, it pays to go against the grain, and taking a chance on that 36-year-old up-and-comer would certainly fit that mold.
With the recent news of Sean Payton stepping down as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, speculation has been swirling about who will take over the reins of the team. Two names that have emerged as potential candidates are Mike McCarthy and Kellen Moore.
Mike McCarthy is a seasoned veteran in the coaching world, having spent 13 years as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers. During his time with the Packers, McCarthy led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2011 and compiled an impressive record of 125-77-2. He is known for his offensive prowess and ability to develop quarterbacks, making him an attractive option for the Saints, who are looking to replace future Hall of Famer Drew Brees.
Kellen Moore, on the other hand, is a rising star in the coaching world. At just 33 years old, Moore has already made a name for himself as the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. Under his guidance, the Cowboys’ offense has been one of the most explosive in the league, ranking in the top five in total yards per game in each of the past two seasons. Moore’s innovative play-calling and ability to adapt to his personnel make him an intriguing candidate for the Saints.
While both McCarthy and Moore bring unique strengths to the table, it will ultimately be up to Saints’ management to decide who is the best fit for the team. McCarthy’s experience and track record of success may give him an edge, but Moore’s youth and fresh perspective could also be appealing. Regardless of who ultimately lands the job, Saints fans can rest assured that their team is in good hands with either of these potential candidates at the helm.
