In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL and sparked a surge of excitement throughout the Gulf Coast, the New Orleans Saints have officially named Drew Brees as their new head coach for the 2025 season. The legendary quarterback, who delivered the franchise’s first and only Super Bowl title in 2009, now returns to the team not as its field general, but as its leader on the sidelines.
The announcement came Monday morning at a packed press conference at the Saints’ training facility in Metairie, Louisiana. Flanked by Saints owner Gayle Benson and general manager Mickey Loomis, Brees appeared energized and emotional as he addressed his new role.
“This city, this team, and this fan base mean everything to me,” Brees said. “I’m honored and humbled to return to the Saints in this capacity. My goal is simple: to restore the standard of excellence and championship mindset that this organization deserves.”
The hire marks a bold and somewhat unconventional decision by the Saints, who are turning to a first-time head coach to lead the team into a new era. While Brees has no formal NFL coaching experience, he brings an unrivaled pedigree as a future Hall of Famer, Super Bowl MVP, and one of the most respected leaders in league history.
The move comes after the team parted ways with Dennis Allen following consecutive disappointing seasons marked by inconsistent quarterback play, underwhelming offensive output, and growing fan disillusionment. The Saints finished the 2024 season with a 7-10 record, missing the playoffs for the third straight year.
For many fans, Brees’ return represents a beacon of hope. His legacy in New Orleans goes far beyond statistics; he’s credited with helping rebuild both the franchise and the city in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. His leadership, precision, and fierce competitiveness turned the Saints from perennial underachievers into contenders.
“Drew brings instant credibility,” said GM Mickey Loomis. “He knows what winning looks like, and more importantly, he knows how to lead. We believe he’s the right person to reestablish our identity and culture.”
While Brees has stayed close to the game since retiring in 2021—briefly serving as an analyst for NBC and later working with young quarterbacks in advisory roles—this marks his first foray into full-time coaching. According to sources, Brees has been quietly preparing for this opportunity over the past two years, shadowing NFL coaches and studying schemes across the league.
There are already reports that Brees plans to build a strong, experienced coaching staff around him, with former Saints assistant Joe Lombardi and respected defensive mind Vic Fangio rumored to be potential additions.
Players have responded enthusiastically to the news. Star wide receiver Chris Olave tweeted, “Let’s work! Coach Brees ready to lead us to greatness.” Veteran linebacker Demario Davis called it “the spark we needed.”
Still, challenges lie ahead. The Saints’ roster is in transition, and the quarterback position remains unsettled. Whether Brees will handpick a rookie to mold or attempt to rejuvenate a veteran remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: expectations are now sky-high in New Orleans.
“I’m not coming back just to be a figurehead,” Brees said. “I’m coming back to win. That’s what this city expects, and that’s what I expect from myself and this team.”
The black and gold faithful, who once chanted Brees’ name from the Superdome rafters, now have a new reason to cheer. The legend has returned—this time with a headset instead of a helmet—and a mission to bring the Saints back to glory.