Saints request HC interviews with Kellen Moore, Anthony Weaver, Mike Kafka

We have three more names to add to the growing list of Saints head coaching candidates. The Saints have requested interviews with the Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore (via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport), Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver (via The Athletic’s Dianna Russini), and Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka (via Josina Anderson).

(RELATED: Saints request HC interviews with Joe Brady, Aaron Glenn)

This request represents Moore’s first in the current hiring cycle. The veteran coach just finished his first regular season as Philly’s offensive coordinator, where the Eagles failed to improve on their 2023 offensive rankings (seventh in points, eighth in yards). Still, he helped guide Saquon Barkley to a historic season, and he was previously praised for his offensive approach in stops against the Chargers and Cowboys.

Moore is no stranger to the head coaching interview circuit. He has earned interviews in each of the past three offseasons, including meetings with the Chargers (2024), Panthers (2023), Broncos, Dolphins, Jaguars and Vikings (2022).

Weaver was a popular name during last year’s hiring cycle, with the defensive-minded coach earning interviews with the Falcons and Commanders. He ultimately landed in Miami as the Dolphins’ new defensive coordinator. While the team’s defense struggled at times, Weaver still squeezed a top-10 finish out of his unit, with the Dolphins fourth in yards allowed and 10th in points allowed. The defensive coordinator also oversaw the development of some key defensive players, including first-round edge rushers Hack Robinson.

A longtime defensive line coach, Weaver gained national attention after his three-year stint in Baltimore. He served as the Ravens’ defensive line coach/run game coordinator in 2021 before earning a promotion to assistant head coach in 2022. His current gig in Miami represented another promotion, so the next logical step in his coaching career would see him serve as head coach title. We learned earlier today that the Bears requested an interview with Weaver.

Kafka, a former NFL journeyman, made a name for himself while coaching Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City. He parlayed his performance as the Chiefs QB’s coach into an OC gig with the Giants, where he has spent the last three years. Brian Daboll wrestled away play-calling responsibilities from his OC last offseason, and there have been rumblings that Kafka could be ousted as the head coach wants to stay on.

Kafka’s potentially ugly end in New York clearly hasn’t hurt his head coaching chances, as we learned earlier today that the Bears requested an interview with the coordinator. Kafka interviewed for both the Seahawks and Titans gigs last season, and he got interviews for all five 2023 head coaching vacancies.

This trio joins Joe Brady and Aaron Glennwho the Saints requested interviews with earlier today. The team has also been associated with e.g Mike Vrabel and Matt Nagywhile interim head coach Darren Rizzi is also expected to push for a promotion to the full-time gig.