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.

Mike McCarthy is out of the running for the New Orleans Saints' head coaching job and no longer plans to coach in 2025, ESPN reported late Tuesday. The Dallas Cowboys didn't renew the contract of McCarthy following a 7-10 season in 2024.

The Chicago Bears took a unique approach when interviewing Mike McCarthy for their head coaching position, setting it apart from other candidate interviews.

Former #Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy has decided to focus on the 2026 hiring cycle and will not coach in the NFL this season, sources tell me and @RapSheet. McCarthy, who has made the playoffs 12 times in 18 seasons, is expected to be a strong candidate a year from now. pic.twitter.com/Vr8mMijIkq

Mike McCarthy reportedly will not be the next head coach of the New Orleans Saints. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday

Kliff Kingsbury will remain the Washington Commanders’ offensive coordinator despite interest from the New Orleans Saints and other teams during this head-coaching cycle, according to multiple reports. Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy will also not be the Saints’ new head coach this season, according to multiple reports.

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.

With options thin on both sides, could Mike McCarthy and the Dallas Cowboys decide to run it back for the 2025 season?

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.

The New Orleans Saints are the final remaining team to have a head coaching vacancy, and they know at least one name that won't be on their sideline in 2025. Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy removed his name from consideration and will be focusing on the 2026 head coaching cycle, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

"Former Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy has decided to focus on the 2026 hiring cycle and will not coach in the NFL this season, sources tell me and @RapSheet," Pelissero wrote on X. "McCarthy, who has made the playoffs 12 times in 18 seasons, is expected to be a strong candidate a year from now."