The Saints’ New Chapter with Kellen Moore
The New Orleans Saints have reportedly found their next head coach in Kellen Moore, a move that promises a fresh start for a franchise in need of a significant turnaround. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Moore is finalizing a deal that will see him take the helm in New Orleans. Known for his innovative offensive strategies, Moore has been a rising star in NFL coaching circles. The Saints, who have struggled since Sean Payton’s departure in 2021, hope that Moore’s appointment will be the catalyst for a new era of success.
The Path to Kellen Moore
The Saints’ search for a new head coach was extensive and competitive. Initially, the team set its sights on several prominent candidates, including former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who became the Jets’ head coach, and Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who opted to stay in Buffalo. The Saints also considered Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, recently-fired Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, and Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. However, as the process unfolded, Moore emerged as the frontrunner. Saints GM Mickey Loomis informed other candidates that while no final decision had been made, the team planned to continue discussions with Moore, signaling his strong candidacy for the position.
Kellen Moore: A Proven Offensive Mind
Despite not having served as a head coach, Kellen Moore has a wealth of experience as an offensive coordinator under some of the NFL’s most respected coaches. After retiring as a player in 2018, Moore joined the Dallas Cowboys as their quarterbacks coach. He was quickly promoted to offensive coordinator in 2019, a role he held through the 2022-23 season under head coaches Jason Garrett and Mike McCarthy. During his tenure with the Cowboys, Moore helped quarterback Dak Prescott achieve his best statistical season in 2019, throwing for 4,902 yards with 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
A Season of Highs and Lows
Moore’s coaching journey took him to the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2023-24 season, where the team faced numerous challenges, including a 5-12 record and an injury to franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. However, the low point at Los Angeles did not detract from Moore’s abilities. In 2024, he joined the Philadelphia Eagles, where he had his most successful season yet. Under his offensive guidance, the Eagles’ running back Saquon Barkley rushed for a historic 2,442 yards, leading the league’s second-best rushing offense. Moore’s strategic acumen was on full display as the Eagles clinched their second Super Bowl title, posting a commanding 40 points against the Kansas City Chiefs.
A Timeline of Coaching Success
Kellen Moore’s coaching career is marked by a series of notable achievements:
- 2019: Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
- 2020: Dallas Cowboys (6-10)
- 2021: Dallas Cowboys (12-5, lost in Wild Card of playoffs to 49ers)
- 2022: Dallas Cowboys (12-5, lost in divisional round to 49ers)
- 2023: Los Angeles Chargers (5-12)
- 2024: Philadelphia Eagles (14-3, won Super Bowl over Chiefs)
A Background in Football Excellence
Kellen Moore’s coaching prowess is rooted in his successful playing career. He spent four seasons as a quarterback at Boise State, where he set numerous records, throwing for 14,667 yards with 142 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. Boise State enjoyed three consecutive WAC conference titles from 2008 to 2010, including a Fiesta Bowl victory over TCU in the 2009-10 season. Although Moore went undrafted in 2012, he spent time with the Detroit Lions and later joined the Dallas Cowboys, where he completed 61 passes for 779 yards, four touchdowns, and six interceptions in three games during the 2015 season.
Looking to the Future
The appointment of Kellen Moore as the next head coach of the New Orleans Saints is a bold and strategic move. With his proven track record of offensive innovation and his ability to maximize the talents of his players, Moore is well-positioned to lead the Saints back to relevance. The Saints’ fans are hopeful that under Moore’s guidance, the team will return to its winning ways and reclaim its place among the NFL’s elite.
