Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady withdraws as Saints coaching candidate: report
The New Orleans Saints parted ways with coach Dennis Allen in November after losing seven games, and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi became the team’s interim head coach.
The NFL’s search for its next coach remains active, but the team now knows at least one candidate who won’t get the job. Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady has withdrawn his name from consideration for the role, according to a report from NFL Media.
Brady would prefer to continue directing the Bills’ offense despite New Orleans’ desire to “interview Brady a second time.” NFL Network Insider’s Ian Rapoport reported.
Brady’s name has also been linked to other head coaching openings.
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Buffalo Bills coach Joe Brady before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on January 7, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
New Orleans’ 2024 season is off to a promising start, with the team winning its first two games by 37 and 25 points. But the losing streak that followed prompted Saints ownership to make a coaching change during the season.
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“Dennis has been a part of our organization for many years,” team owner Gayle Benson said in a statement shortly after the franchise announced Allen’s dismissal. “He is highly regarded within the NFL. He has been extremely dedicated, professional, and most importantly, an excellent football coach for us. All of this makes today a very difficult day for me and our organization.”
“However, this decision is something I felt we needed to make at this time. I wish nothing but the best for the future for Dennis and his family. He will always be held in the highest regard by me and everyone within our organization.”
New Orleans Saints logo at Caesars Superdome (Stephen Liu/USA Today Sports)
Allen finished his coaching tenure in New Orleans with a record of 18-25. Allen spent seven seasons as New Orleans’ defensive coordinator before succeeding Sean Payton as the franchise’s head coach. Allen is now the front-runner for the role of defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears. ESPN reported.
Payton, who led the Saints to the franchise’s only Super Bowl title, turned to broadcasting in 2022 after stepping down from the Saints. He returns to the sidelines in 2023 as head coach of the Denver Broncos.
Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady poses with Josh Allen before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on October 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Steve 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 during their wide-ranging head coaching search. Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore The team announced it conducted a virtual interview last week.
In his second season as the Bills’ play-caller, Brady guided star quarterback Josh Allen to his best season. Allen, who was recently named an NFL MVP finalist, threw for 28 touchdowns and 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 host the Bills Sunday in the AFC Championship game. On the NFC side, the Eagles will welcome the Washington Chiefs to Lincoln Financial Field. The Super Bowl winners will meet on February 9.
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