The New Orleans Saints parted ways with Dennis Allen in November after losing seven straight games. Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi then received the interim coaching tag.
The search for the next head coach for an NFL franchise remains active, but the team now knows at least one person who won't be taking the job. Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady has withdrawn his name from consideration for the role, according to NFL media reports.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Brady wants to continue coaching the Bills' offense, even though New Orleans wants to “interview Brady again.” Brady's name was also linked to other head coaching positions during the ongoing recruiting cycle.
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Buffalo Bills coach Joe Brady watches from the field before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on January 7, 2024 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
New Orleans' 2024 season got off to a good start as the team won its first two games by 37 and 25 points, respectively. However, the ensuing losing streak forced the Saints' owner to make a mid-season coaching change.
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“Dennis has been a part of our organization for many years,” team owner Gail Benson said in a statement shortly after the team announced Allen's release. “He is well-respected within the NFL. He has been very loyal, professional and, most importantly, a great football coach for us. All of these things are important to me and our organization today. However, this decision is one that we felt was necessary.''Dennis and his family's future will always have the highest respect from me and everyone at our organization. I just pray that it will happen. ”
A full view of the New Orleans Saints logo as a iris on the midfield logo after the game between the New Orleans Saints and Las Vegas Raiders at Caesars Superdome. (Stephen Lu-USA TODAY Sports)
Allen finished his tenure as head coach in New Orleans with an 18-25 record. Allen spent seven seasons as New Orleans' defensive coordinator before replacing Sean Payton as the team's head coach. According to a report from ESPN, Allen is the top candidate for the Chicago Bears' defensive coordinator role.
Payton, who led the Saints to the franchise's only Super Bowl victory, will become a broadcaster in 2022 after retiring as head coach. He returned to the sidelines in 2023 when he was named the next head coach of the Denver Broncos.
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady stands with No. 17 Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills before a 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, completed interviews with the Saints amid an 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 the Bills' play-caller, Brady helped star QB Josh Allen have arguably the best season of his career. Allen, who was recently named an NFL MVP finalist, threw 28 touchdowns against just six interceptions during the regular season. He has not thrown an interception in the two postseason games he has played so far.
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The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Bills on Sunday in the AFC Championship Game. On the NFC side, the Eagles will welcome the Washington Commanders to Lincoln Financial Field. The winners of these games will face off in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX.
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