“Life’s all about choices,” or so the saying goes. And the Bears just made one that has NFL fans buzzing. Mike McCarthy is a Super Bowl-winning coach with a storied past. But he won’t be leading Chicago next season. Instead, the Bears have decided to hitch their wagon to the offensive genius of Ben Johnson. And this leaves McCarthy in search of a new opportunity.

Johnson is leaving Detroit after three stellar seasons as offensive coordinator. His offenses ranked in the top 10 in scoring every year. And the Lions led the league in 2024. McCarthy had been a strong contender for the job after leaving the Cowboys. While the McCarthy-to-Bears storyline may have come to an abrupt halt, his next step is still up in the air. Enter the New Orleans Saints. They are reportedly looking at McCarthy as their next head coach. This is as per Nick Underhill of NewOrleansFootball. And Chicago’s decision may now set up a surprising domino effect.

Another candidate that the Saints are eyeing is Aaron Glenn. But he might sit down for an interview only if he doesn’t strike a deal with the Jets. Free Agent Television Sports Reporter Logan Graffia also floated this idea. “So basically it’s like I’ve heard as of recently last couple of days. If the Saints miss out on Glenn (which they are) then they pivot to Mike McCarthy,” he wrote on X.

Sean Payton’s shadow is still looming large in New Orleans. But the Saints are preparing to interview McCarthy this week. They are eager to find a coach who can restore their offensive identity. However, being one of the backup choices for so many franchises must be stinging for a Super Bowl-winning coach like McCarthy. But there are possibilities that might excite him.

Here’s where it gets interesting. NFL insider Adam Schefter recently suggested that if the Saints land McCarthy… if they do crack the deal, Aaron Rodgers might follow.

Could McCarthy and Rodgers reunite in New Orleans?

The 41-year-old quarterback is uncertain about his future with the Jets. Perhaps even in the NFL. But New Orleans could provide a familiar face—and perhaps Davante Adams—to lure him in. This isn’t just wild speculation. McCarthy and Rodgers teamed up to win Super Bowl XLV. Moreover, Rodgers has often spoken fondly of their time in Green Bay. That’s despite their occasionally rocky relationship.

Schefter has already touted McCarthy as a “legitimate candidate” for the Saints HC spot. But he suggested the Saints be faithful to Derek Carr regardless of the coach. “They have to be committed to Derek Carr, whoever the head coach is. If Mike McCarthy gets that job, and if Aaron Rodgers wants to play, and if they have the conversation, there’s a lot of ifs that have to happen before we could get there, in my mind,” Schefter suggested.

If the Saints manage to bring McCarthy and Rodgers together… it could transform the NFC South overnight. Or at least the narrative to begin with. The division lacked consistent quarterback play last season. A vintage season from Rodgers could tip the scales. The Saints are no strangers to bold moves. GM Mickey Loomis has built a reputation for going all in. Adding McCarthy and Rodgers would fit the bill. However, it’s nowhere close to a done deal.

The Saints’ pursuit of Glenn complicates things. And Rodgers still needs to decide if he’s ready for a 21st season. For now, all eyes are on New Orleans. Meanwhile, Chicago hopes Johnson’s offensive genius will finally bring stability to a franchise desperate for a playoff win.

Mike McCarthy’s snub by the Bears might just be the spark that reignites an old partnership. The Saints, Rodgers, and the rest of the league now wait for the next domino to fall. Will New Orleans gamble big or will another team swoop in to change the game?