Summary of Drew Brees’s Involvement in the Saints’ Coaching Search
Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees subtly influenced the team’s process for selecting a new head coach by offering guidance when solicited by the organization . Brees publicly endorsed Aaron Glenn as his preferred candidate, emphasizing Glenn’s leadership qualities and deep understanding of the game . Although Glenn ultimately accepted a position with the New York Jets, Brees expressed confidence in the existing search procedure led by GM Mickey Loomis and the ownership group . Beyond specific endorsements, Brees conveyed his belief that the Saints possessed the core pieces to remain competitive and that the search would yield a capable leader .
Background: The Coaching Vacancy in New Orleans
Following a disappointing 5–12 finish in the 2024 season, the Saints parted ways with head coach Dennis Allen in late December 2024 . The decision marked the end of a tumultuous campaign that saw New Orleans finish at the bottom of the NFC South for the first time in over a decade . With veteran quarterback Derek Carr struggling at times and injuries decimating key playmakers, the front office determined that a fresh voice was necessary to reestablish a winning culture . Owner Gayle Benson and GM Mickey Loomis then launched a comprehensive search, interviewing a blend of internal coordinators and external candidates from across the NFL .
During this period, the Saints solicited opinions from prominent figures connected to the franchise, including Drew Brees, who remains one of the most revered players in team history . While Brees does not hold an official front‑office role, his insights carry significant weight given his Super Bowl–winning tenure and leadership reputation . According to reports, the organization’s strategy involved gathering football minds around town and asking for candid assessments—an approach that led to Brees lending his expertise on prospective candidates .
Drew Brees’s Philosophy on Coaching Leadership
Drew Brees has long articulated a coaching philosophy centered on communication, adaptability, and attention to detail . In interviews, he stressed that a successful head coach must be an exceptional teacher who connects with players at all levels . “I lend my expertise or recommendations when asked, but I trust our process,” Brees remarked, underscoring his deference to the front office’s decision‑making structure . He also emphasized the importance of maintaining continuity within a franchise’s culture, noting that a coach should build upon existing strengths rather than start from scratch .
For Brees, the intangible qualities—leadership, trust, and resilience—are as critical as schematic proficiency . He highlighted that a coach must foster an environment where players feel empowered to perform, especially in high‑pressure situations . These principles guided his assessment of candidates and shaped the specific recommendations he offered to the Saints organization .
Endorsement of Aaron Glenn
Among the names Brees publicly supported was Aaron Glenn, the veteran defensive backs coach who spent five seasons with the Saints before departing for the Detroit Lions . “The first guy who comes to my mind is Aaron Glenn,” Brees told Saints Wire, calling Glenn “one of the greatest DBs to ever play the game” and praising his leadership and competitive fire . Brees emphasized Glenn’s teaching ability and the respect he commands in the locker room, attributes he deemed essential for a head coach role .
Although Saint’s fans and media alike were eager for Glenn’s return, he ultimately accepted the head coaching vacancy with the New York Jets in January 2025 . Brees reacted graciously to the news, expressing excitement for Glenn’s new opportunity while reiterating his confidence in the broader candidate pool . “I’m excited for Aaron,” Brees said. “Obviously, we would have loved to have had him, but he’s going to do a great job wherever he goes” .
Perspectives from Within the Organization
GM Mickey Loomis publicly commended Brees’s willingness to share insights, noting that the franchise values input from its all‑time greats . Ownership has maintained that no single endorsement would override the collective assessments of the scouting department, personnel personnel, and the leadership committee led by Loomis . Nevertheless, Brees’s recommendations were reportedly given “significant consideration” during the vetting process .
Veteran linebacker Jonathan Vilma, a former teammate of Brees, lauded the quarterback’s analytical approach, suggesting that Brees’s input helped clarify the organization’s priorities . “Drew understands our culture and what it takes to win here,” Vilma told Canal Street Chronicles, adding that Brees’s opinions on candidate preparedness and philosophy were “invaluable” to the front office . Vilma’s endorsement of Brees’s role underscores the deep respect that former Saints players maintain for the quarterback’s football acumen .
Other Candidates and the Frontrunner
With Glenn out of the picture, the Saints turned their focus toward Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, whom Brees also praised for his offensive acumen . “He’s been successful everywhere he’s gone, obviously an extremely bright offensive mind,” Brees said, referencing Moore’s track record of developing quarterbacks and crafting dynamic offenses in Dallas and Philadelphia . Moore led the Eagles’ offense to Super Bowl LIX, further bolstering his credentials in New Orleans .
Other names in consideration included in‑house candidates such as special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who served as interim coach at the end of 2024 . Outside interviews reportedly involved coaches like Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator Dave Canales and Colts’ defensive coordinator Gus Bradley . Despite the wide search, Brees maintained optimism that the process would culminate in a hire capable of leveraging the Saints’ young talent and remaining veterans .
Analysis of Brees’s Influence
By lending his voice to the coaching search, Drew Brees reaffirmed his status as a cornerstone of the franchise’s identity . His involvement demonstrated a collaborative front‑office culture that seeks to integrate past wisdom with forward‑looking strategy . Analysts note that such endorsements can help align organizational vision and foster buy‑in from current players, many of whom view Brees as an enduring leader .
Yet, experts caution that public endorsements can also carry risks, potentially constraining the front office’s flexibility or elevating expectations for certain candidates . In this case, the Saints mitigated that risk by nominating multiple finalists and conducting comprehensive interviews, thereby diluting any single voice’s sway . The measured approach reflects both respect for Brees’s perspective and commitment to a data‑driven selection process .
Implications for the Saints’ Future
Should the Saints ultimately hire Kellen Moore or another candidate, the new coach will inherit a roster featuring Pro Bowl talent in Alvin Kamara and a burgeoning defensive core led by Marshon Lattimore . Brees has underscored that sustaining health and developing depth—particularly in the trenches—will be crucial for any new regime to achieve success . His emphasis on balance between offense and defense aligns with the organization’s stated objectives of building a well‑rounded contender .
Moreover, Brees’s continued visibility—returning to New Orleans for Super Bowl festivities and community engagements—reinforces the bridge between the franchise’s past glory and its aspirations for renewal . His mentorship of younger players and occasional public commentary signal that his influence will persist, irrespective of the hire’s identity .
Conclusion
Drew Brees’s role in guiding the Saints’ coaching search exemplifies the collaborative ethos that the franchise seeks to foster under its current leadership . While Brees stopped short of dictating the final outcome, his endorsements and strategic insights provided valuable context for the decision‑makers led by Mickey Loomis . As the Saints approach their next chapter, the integration of Brees’s football philosophy with analytical front‑office processes bodes well for a seamless transition—underscoring that the lessons of past success can inform and inspire the team’s future achievements .