Gayle Benson singled out longtime general manager Mickey Loomis in her public criticism of the New Orleans Saints' performance, but that doesn't mean she would really fire him, right? Loomis is the longest-tenured executive in the league (if you don't count owners at the controls like Jerry Jones) and Benson has gone on the record as calling his hiring one of the best things to ever happen to the franchise. But he's guided the Saints to a 56-81 record when Sean Payton wasn't coaching his team. If the end is in sight for Kellen Moore after just a year and a half on the job, Loomis will be 1-for-3 on hiring head coaches. A new coach should get a fresh start with a new general manager.

Whether Loomis is dismissed, pushed into retirement, or "promoted" to a position without any control of the roster, replacing him should be on the table. But which candidates could replace him? Here are ten names to know.

Chad Alexander

Alexander spent decades working under legendary Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome, and he's found success as the Los Angeles Chargers assistant GM in recent years. He's an experienced scout and helped build two Super Bowl-winning teams before leaving for a promotion; Alexander ran the New York Jets player personnel department from 2019 to 2023 when they hit big on first-round draft picks like Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner. But he "respectfully declined" to interview for the Minnesota Vikings GM opening this offseason in order to see things through with L.A. Their 0-5 start may lead to organizational turnover, and if he's open to a move to lead his own team, the Saints should give him a look.

Jeff Ireland

Ireland feels like the early favorite if the Saints go with an in-house promotion; he's worked as a general manager before, learning some painful lessons with the Miami Dolphins on the way to a 46-50 finish. He has flourished while running the Saints' college scouting department since 2015 and has influence in the front office as the team's assistant general manager. Ireland has interviewed for several GM openings around the league over the years but remains with New Orleans. It's tough to see him staying if the Saints pass over him.

Khai Harley

The other popular pick for a promotion? That's Harley, the team's senior vice president of football operations and assistant general manager. He's one of the two lieutenants to Loomis, along with Ireland, and is best known for his work managing the salary cap. Harley also has experience negotiating contracts, managing the roster, and coordinating with both the pro and college scouting departments. He's been a key asset in the front office for a very long time. Harley has been with the team for 18 years and would be a familiar voice to Benson.

Michael Parenton

Here's a dark horse to watch if the Saints stay focused on in-house candidates. Parenton, the vice president of pro personnel, is chiefly responsible for scouting free agents, trade targets, waiver claims and every other avenue of adding talent. He's also responsible for advance scouting reports of upcoming opponents. Parenton has worked for the Saints since 2012 and does a lot to bridge the gap between the front office and the coaching staff. Don't overlook the Tulane grad from Thibodaux.

Terry Fontenot

Fontenot got his start in the Saints' organization, and at one point looked like the heir-apparent if Loomis ever chose to step down. Instead, the Lake Charles native and Tulane graduate who started working for New Orleans as a scout in 2003 went turncoat with the Atlanta Falcons. He drafted well but couldn't find a coach or steady quarterback, and was dismissed after going 36-48. Maybe a homecoming (and lessons learned from that experience) could be good for him.