After a tumultuous run with the Dallas Cowboys, Mike McCarthy has reportedly made a decisive move regarding his future in the NFL. The Saints have the only vacancy left.

According to NFL media, McCarthy has decided to focus on the 2026 hiring cycle. He won’t coach in 2025. The difference between last time and this time is that he had a buyout after the Packers moved on. McCarthy, whose contract expired on January 14, will not be paid this year.

The 12th-winningest head coach in NFL history will reportedly spend 2025 focusing on the 2026 hiring cycle. It’s a tactic he’s used before.

With Kliff Kingsbury returning to the Washington Commanders and Mike McCarthy reportedly pulling his name out of contention for the New Orleans

Mike McCarthy has decided against coaching in 2025, removing himself as a candidate to fill the NFL’s last remaining head coaching vacancy with the New Orleans Saints

Report: The New Orleans Saints plan to interview former Cowboys and Packers coach Mike McCarthy this week, pending visit with Eagles OC Kellen Moore:

Weeks after being unable to come to a contract agreement with the Cowboys, Mike McCarthy has decided he will not coach in the NFL in 2025 and will instead focus on the 2026 hiring cycle, per NFL Network.

Loomis could still hire McCarthy to ensure some degree of familiarity, though it has now been 20 years since the latter’s New Orleans stay, but that might not be the most likely scenario based on the information to surface thus far.

After careful consideration, Mike McCarthy has made a decision on his future. The former Dallas Cowboys ' head coach has decided to forego coaching in the NFL next season, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. MORE: Cowboys' VP Will McClay emphasizes organizational alignment with Brian Schottenheimer

Former head coach Mike McCarthy deciding to focus on the 2026 hiring cycle. Georgia Bulldogs running back Trevor Etienne joins "The Insiders" to discuss playing in the Senior Bowl and the advice his brother, Jaguars running back Travis Etienne, has given him.

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