Many coaches whose seasons are now over are free to interview for head coaching vacancies around the league. The Saints’ search is ongoing, but its second phase will include a pair of staffers who did not work for playoff teams in 2024. 
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka has a second interview scheduled with the Saints for Tuesday. Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver will speak with New Orleans for a second time on Wednesday, Pelissero adds. Neither staffer has been a head coach at the college or NFL levels before, but they are now both finalists for this position.
Kafka has been a regular name to watch for head coaching vacancies dating back to previous hiring cycles. The 37-year-old has spent his last three years with the Giants, but a January report noted he could be let go in the event head coach Brian Daboll were to be retained. The latter is indeed set to remain in place for 2025, but for now Kafka is still part of New York’s staff.
Weaver, 44, has spent time on six different NFL staffs since 2012. He has extensive experience as a defensive line coach, but during his final two seasons with the Ravens he also had the title of associate head coach. Weaver took over as Miami’s DC for 2024, and the team delivered a notable performance on that side of the ball. The Dolphins finished ninth in the NFL against the run and pass, ranking fourth in total defense and 10th in points allowed. Weaver, like Kafka, was among the first candidates to interview with the Saints in the team’s initial round of meetings.
New Orleans moved on from Dennis Allen after Week 9, leaving him with an overall record of 18-25 as Sean Payton‘s successor. Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi handled interim HC duties the rest of the way, a span in which the Saints dealt with numerous major injuries and went 3-5. Several candidates (including Rizzi) have interviewed for the full-time position in recent days, and coaches on teams eliminated in the divisional round can meet in person starting today. In the case of Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn in particular, that could be especially noteworthy.
Via PFR’s search tracker, here is an updated look at the Saints’ situation:
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Interviewed 1/17
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/10; early frontrunner?
- Mike Kafka, offensive coordinator (Giants): Interviewed 1/9; to conduct second interview 1/21
- Kliff Kingsbury, offensive coordinator (Commanders): To interview, won’t interview until after season
- Mike McCarthy, head coach (Cowboys): To interview
- Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed 1/18
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Mentioned as candidate
- Darren Rizzi, interim head coach (Saints): Interviewed 1/17
- Mike Vrabel, former head coach (Titans): Interview being arranged; hired by Patriots
- Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/8; to conduct second interview 1/22
This is laughable and pathetic .. 2 of the worst coordinators in the league the last 2 years
Kafka, sure. But Weaver? What are you talking about? I would argue that he was amongst the best coordinators last year
What wagner13 said. Weaver was a good coordinator this year and has long been considered a likely future head coach because people rave about his leadership and interpersonal skills.
someone needs to explain to be the Aaron Glenn love? I mean I get they had injuries, but did teams not see the Lions defense this year? it was downright atrocious this year, including this past weekend.
I’m not sure how anyone could watch their D and think this guy is ready for a head coaching gig.
and I feel the same way with Kafka.
and I get the difference between head coach and coordinator, but each of those two lost a key contributor (Hutchinson and Jones/Saquon) and it’s not like we saw someone truly step up to replace them. if they can’t lead half a team to success, how can they lead a full team?
Only six teams gave up fewer points this year and the team went 15-2. I’d say that’s a reasonable amount of success, especially when you consider the injuries and roster issues on that defense. He’s also seen as a good teacher and culture guy. Plus he was very well regarded as a coach when he was with the Saints previously.