Saints planned to interview Mike McCarthy; McCarthy didn’t garner enough interest from Saints and will take a year off

Mickey was 100% just a “bean counter” at that time. He was not apart of football related hiring processes.

It was a big deal when he got promoted to GM because at that time, he indeed was solely a finance guy.

This was Mueller’s (and Tom Benson’s) hire. Mickey has never been credited in any capacity whatsoever for influencing that hire nor has he ever claimed credit.
From the start, all I ever said is that Loomis was a part of the Saints when they chose Haslett, Payton and DA. He knows the private, as in not public, reasons and thought processes behind chosing each coach. He knows that they went defense, offense and defense. He knows that the Saints had their most long term stability and success under an offense coach. I personally hope that leads Loomis to deciding they need to go with an offensive head coach this time around.

You guys are getting so caught up in the org chart that you're not hearing what I'm saying. I'm talking about knowing what thoughts were behind what decisions. I'm not talking about having any authority or influence over those decisions. I'm talking about understanding and insight, not control or influence.

Muellar brought Loomis with him in large part, because they were best friends. If you were at a new job and you brought your best friend and coworker of 15 years with you, would you not talk to them about what you're thinking regarding each coaching candidate? Would you not share your thoughts with them at all?

You may not, but the majority of people would. Muellar back in the day said that one of the reasons he brought Loomis with him was that he valued his opinion and feedback. That means he talked to Loomis about decisions he had to make.

I'll try to make it very clear one last time. I'm not saying Loomis had any influence or control over the decision to hire Haslett.

What I am saying is that Loomis knew what Muellar was thinking when Muellar chose Haslett and why Muellar decided to go with Haslett. Loomis had direct access and insight into Muellar's thought process on hiring Haslett, because they were best friends and Muellar said himself that he confided in Loomis.