Mike McCarthy Withdraws from Saints’ Coaching Search and Won’t Coach in 2025, AP Source Says

In a surprising turn of events, sources have confirmed that Mike McCarthy, the longtime NFL coach who led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl title in 2011, has withdrawn from consideration for the New Orleans Saints’ coaching search and announced that he will not be coaching in the 2025 NFL season. This move has left many in the football world speculating about the reasons behind McCarthy’s decision and the implications it has for the Saints’ future.

The Unexpected Decision

Mike McCarthy, who has been on the radar for a number of NFL teams seeking new head coaches, was seen as one of the top candidates to fill the vacant coaching position with the Saints. After spending several seasons as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers, McCarthy joined the Dallas Cowboys as head coach in 2020, a tenure that has seen mixed results, including playoff appearances and disappointing seasons.

However, sources close to McCarthy say that after extensive deliberation, he decided to pull himself out of consideration for the Saints’ job. The decision has taken many by surprise, particularly since McCarthy’s name had been consistently linked to the Saints’ search for a new leader following the departure of their former head coach.

An anonymous source, familiar with the situation, confirmed the news to the Associated Press early Monday morning, stating that McCarthy’s withdrawal is final and he will take a year off from coaching in 2025.

McCarthy’s Tenure with the Dallas Cowboys

Mike McCarthy’s time with the Dallas Cowboys has been a subject of intense scrutiny since he took over as head coach in 2020. While he inherited a talented roster, McCarthy’s first season with the Cowboys was marred by injuries, inconsistent play, and defensive struggles. His ability to navigate the Cowboys through a chaotic 2020 season earned him praise for his leadership, but the subsequent seasons have been less kind to the veteran coach.

In 2021, McCarthy led the Cowboys to a strong regular-season record but fell short in the playoffs. The team suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Wild Card round, which led to increasing pressure on McCarthy’s future with the team. The 2022 season showed further signs of struggle, with the Cowboys failing to advance deep into the postseason. Despite strong performances from the offense and quarterback Dak Prescott, the Cowboys’ inability to execute in critical moments and McCarthy’s conservative approach left fans and analysts questioning his long-term viability.

As the 2024 NFL season ended and the Saints entered their own coaching search, many viewed McCarthy as a natural candidate for the role. His years of experience and previous Super Bowl victory made him an appealing choice for the Saints, who have been in search of a head coach to replace Sean Payton following his departure to the Denver Broncos.

What Led to McCarthy’s Withdrawal?

While the specific reasons for McCarthy’s decision to withdraw from the Saints’ search are still not fully clear, sources suggest that the coach may have opted for a break from the high-stakes world of NFL coaching. After nearly 25 years of coaching in the NFL, including his time with the Packers and Cowboys, McCarthy has spent a significant amount of time under the intense pressure of leading professional teams, and it’s possible that the toll has begun to weigh on him.

Moreover, McCarthy’s decision to not coach in 2025 could signal a desire to reassess his future in the NFL. Following multiple playoff disappointments with the Cowboys, McCarthy may be looking to step back and evaluate his options moving forward. Sources also mentioned that McCarthy has expressed a need to spend more time with his family and focus on his personal well-being, which is a sentiment shared by many coaches after extended periods of high-pressure seasons.

Though the Saints were reportedly interested in McCarthy, other factors may have also played a role in his decision. The coaching position in New Orleans presents its own set of challenges, including rebuilding an aging roster and finding a long-term solution at quarterback. With the franchise entering a period of transition, McCarthy may have realized that it wasn’t the right fit for his career at this stage. Additionally, some insiders believe McCarthy’s withdrawal was influenced by his desire to avoid joining a team that might be in a rebuilding phase.

Saints’ Coaching Search Continues

With McCarthy now officially out of the running, the New Orleans Saints are back to square one in their search for a new head coach. The team has already interviewed a number of high-profile candidates, and it’s expected that they will continue to cast a wide net as they search for the right person to lead them into the next chapter of their franchise’s history.

Names like Eric Bieniemy, offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs, and Brian Flores, former head coach of the Miami Dolphins, have been floated as potential replacements for Payton. Bieniemy, in particular, has been a hot name in coaching circles for several years due to his success as the offensive coordinator under Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. Flores, who has been working as a defensive assistant with the Pittsburgh Steelers, brings a strong track record as a leader and a defensive-minded coach.

With McCarthy out of the picture, it seems the Saints will continue their search for a candidate who can bring stability and a vision for the future. The team’s front office, led by General Manager Mickey Loomis, is likely to prioritize candidates with a track record of success and experience in leading teams through challenging rebuilds. Given the pressure on the Saints to remain competitive, the next head coach will need to have the ability to motivate a roster that includes talented veterans while also developing young players.

McCarthy’s Future in the NFL

While McCarthy has withdrawn from the Saints’ search and confirmed that he won’t be coaching in 2025, this doesn’t necessarily mean that his career in the NFL is over. Many coaches have taken time off to recharge before returning to the league with a renewed sense of purpose. McCarthy’s Super Bowl pedigree and experience with both rebuilding and contending teams will likely keep him in demand for future coaching opportunities.

It’s not uncommon for coaches to take a brief hiatus before reentering the fray, and McCarthy’s decision could simply be a temporary one. After a year off, he may return to the league either with a team in need of a veteran leader or in an advisory capacity. The NFL’s appetite for experienced coaches remains high, and McCarthy’s resume will undoubtedly keep him in the conversation for top-tier positions should he decide to return.

For now, McCarthy’s focus appears to be on his personal life and taking a step back from the intense demands of an NFL coaching job. Whether he decides to return to coaching in the future or retire for good remains to be seen, but his decision to sit out the 2025 season marks a significant moment in his storied career.

The Bigger Picture for the Saints

The decision by McCarthy to withdraw from consideration highlights the larger challenges facing the New Orleans Saints. The franchise is in a period of transition, and finding the right leader to guide the team into the future is crucial. McCarthy’s withdrawal means the team will need to continue evaluating potential candidates who can provide both stability and a vision for the future.

In a rapidly evolving NFC South, the Saints must make the right hire in order to remain competitive. With talented pieces like Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas, the team’s roster is still capable of competing for a playoff spot, but the next head coach will need to effectively manage the team’s aging veterans and develop young talent. Whether the Saints turn to an experienced veteran coach or opt for a younger, up-and-coming coordinator will shape the franchise’s trajectory in the coming years.

In conclusion, Mike McCarthy’s withdrawal from the Saints’ coaching search and his decision to sit out the 2025 NFL season has sent shockwaves through the league. While the reasons behind his decision remain unclear, the focus for McCarthy now appears to be on his personal life and taking a break from coaching. As the Saints continue their search for a new head coach, it’s clear that McCarthy’s absence will change the dynamic of their search, leaving them to consider other high-profile candidates who could potentially lead the team to success in the post-Sean Payton era.