Mickey Loomis Joins Elite Company

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis becomes just the ninth GM in NFL history to amass 200 wins.

NEW ORLEANS -- Celebrating a win is something to be proud of, especially for the Saints when they beat a NFC South rival. However, Sunday took on a new meaning for the organization, as general manager Mickey Loomis became just the ninth GM in NFL history to amass 200 wins.

Loomis joins the likes of Curly Lambeau, Jerry Jones, Bill Belichick, Bill Polian, Tex Schramm, Al Davis, Kevin Colbert, and Ozzie Newsome. Most of those guys are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

It never really occurred to Loomis that he was coming up on the milestone, but as it was looked into more, he was knocking on the doorstep. He thought there would be more names on the list and was an unbeliever at first, shocked at the notion of names like Bobby Beathard, George Young, and Ron Wolf not being there.

Mar 11, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis laughs at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Loomis spoke to us on recently and referenced a comedian appearance by George Gobel on The Johnny Carson Show who came on after Bob Hope and Dean Martin in a 1969 show. Gobel came on last and said, “Did you ever get the feeling the world was a tuxedo and you were a pair of brown shoes?”

“I feel like a pair of brown shoes in a tuxedo shop,” Loomis said on being grouped into an iconic list that now includes him.

Loomis’ track record since his first draft back in 2003 consists of 128 players, with 46 appearances from those draft picks in the Pro Bowl and 24 in total being Associated Press All-Pros. New Orleans has nine playoff appearances throughout his tenure with seven NFC South titles. His regular season record now moves to 200-168 (.543).

Loomis has recounted tons of things over his tenure in the league, which included time with the Seahawks organization early on in his career, but the game and win that stands out the most for him is the Domecoming game between the Falcons and Saints from the 2006 season.

“Return to the Dome. That’s my favorite win in the history of football. I just can’t imagine anything more emotional or meaningful than that.”

Here’s some of the many quotes and thoughts from those who have shared the journey with Loomis over the years.

SEAN PAYTON: “I think the first thing that comes to my mind is his steady, insistent demeanor. It just promotes a really good work environment. I never took that for granted. He is very consistent, very steady, a good listener, and incredibly intelligent. This is an industry where there’s a lot of ups and downs, and he has a great way of making sure the ups aren’t too high and the downs aren't too low. The relationship between head coach and general manager, and then having the proper ownership group, that triangle is so big. It’s rare that one of your closest friends, to this day, is someone you worked with for 16 years like that.”

DENNIS ALLEN: “It’s an amazing accomplishment to witness Mickey achieve a milestone victory like this. To see the list of people that have done it in the modern era of the National Football League is simply amazing, but it’s not the least bit surprising to see Mickey’s name up there with the icons of the game like Al Davis, Jerry Jones, Tex Schram, Bill Belichick, Bill Polian, Curly Lambeau, Kevin Colbert and Ozzie Newsome. You are talking about some pretty rarified air when your name is in company with men like that. He is very driven, focused, has a strong will to win, but he’s also a first-class person, husband and father. He is a role model for a lot of people in this industry. Congratulations are in order for the outstanding accomplishment.”

BILL PARCELLS: ”Sustained excellence in the NFL is the only thing that allows you to achieve multiple hundreds of victories. Mickey Loomis had sustained that excellence, a rare accomplishment for a General Manager. I am among those who join in pay tribute to him and his New Orleans Saints organization.”

DREW BREES: “This accomplishment speaks to Mickey’s consistency. Since 2006, there has been so much consistency and continuity within the organization. Guys that have either been drafted or signed as free agents have stayed for a very long time, more so than most places. That speaks to Mickey’s ability to bring the right people together and help build an incredible culture. I’ve always been impressed with Mickey’s temperament. I think he’s a very rational, logical thinker. In an industry where you’re dealing with sports agents, coaches or players, there’s some volatile or very emotional personalities. Mickey’s poise has allowed him to make the best decisions for the New Orleans Saints.”

HOWIE ROSEMAN: “I have tremendous respect for Mickey as a Super Bowl-winning general manager. His ability to win 200 games while successfully retooling his team in the ever-changing landscape of the NFL over more than two decades is amazing. This is a remarkable accomplishment that exhibits how good Mickey is at his job.”

JEFF IRELAND: “As a former GM, I know first-hand how difficult it is to win consistently in the NFL. 200 wins as a GM in the NFL is not only in rare company, but Hall of Fame worthy. Over the past nine seasons, we’ve shared the agony of some difficult losses as well as the thrill of a lot memorable wins, including four consecutive Division titles (2017-20). Through it all, it has been an honor to work with and for an unbelievably humble person, an extremely smart football guy and a great friend. Thank you, Mickey, for all the away game meals, your patience, and your unyielding leadership! Let’s go get 100 more!”

JERRY JONES: “It is my honor and distinct pleasure to be asked to recognize this outstanding accomplishment that Mickey has achieved. As a true professional in a professional sports team environment, he has been the best that I have been around at balancing the delicate relationships with the coaches, Mr. and Mrs. Benson and everything in between. As someone, firsthand, that has failed that test a few times, hat’s off to him! In terms of business, it has been an absolute pleasure to team up with Mickey in the same sport. I have always enjoyed our time together and only regret that we don’t have more of it. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mickey and his family on winning 200 ball games.”

KHAI HARLEY: “Mickey has certainly had the biggest influence on my career. The lessons I’ve learned are immeasurable. It’s difficult to win in this league. 200 wins with one organization is extremely rare. It’s an accomplishment that cannot be ignored. A record like this clearly shows the world what we in New Orleans have known…Mickey is one of the best to ever do it.”

OZZIE NEWSOME: “Congratulations to Mickey Loomis on his 200th win in the National Football League. Reaching this milestone is truly a testament to Mickey’s hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment to the entire New Orleans Saints organization over the last 22 seasons. His sustained success as a General Manager comes as no surprise to many, as Mickey is a great representation of leadership and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Again, congratulations to Mickey and his family on such a remarkable accomplishment.”