According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the former Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers headman removed himself from the New Orleans Saints head coaching race last night. McCarthy’s intentions will now be on the 2026 head coaching cycle.

Former Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy does not plan to coach this year. The New Orleans Saints are the only team still looking to hire a head coach, with six other franchises previously filling their vacancies.

Two weeks ago, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that McCarthy "could set his sights on Chicago." It was apparently mutual after the Bears requested an interview with McCarthy while he was still under contract by the Cowboys, who denied the request. After Dallas and McCarthy decided to part ways, it didn't take long for Chicago to set up an interview.