Mon Jan 06 16:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Saints Surprise: Stanford’s David Shaw Emerges as Head Coaching Candidate
**New Orleans, LA** – The New Orleans Saints’ head coaching search took an unexpected turn today, with reports surfacing that the team plans to interview David Shaw. Shaw, a highly respected figure in college football with a 96-54 record at Stanford, recently transitioned to the NFL as a senior personnel executive for the Denver Broncos.
Shaw’s connection to Broncos head coach Sean Payton is key. Payton, a strong advocate for Shaw, publicly championed him for an NFL head coaching position in 2022, highlighting his intellect and offensive expertise. Payton’s endorsement, coupled with Shaw’s extensive coaching experience at Stanford and earlier assistant roles with the Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders, and Baltimore Ravens, makes him a compelling candidate.
While Shaw’s success at Stanford, where he mentored NFL stars like Andrew Luck and Christian McCaffrey, is undeniable, his move to the NFL represents a significant career shift. His interview with the Saints suggests a willingness to take on the challenge of leading a professional team.
The Saints are coming off their worst season in 19 years, making the search for a new head coach critical. Shaw’s reputation as a program builder and his strong network of contacts within the league could offer the franchise a fresh start. His candidacy adds intrigue to an already competitive race that includes other prominent names such as Aaron Glenn and Doug Pederson.