Kellen Moore Headed to New Orleans
Kellen Moore, the former Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator and now the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, is set to embark on a new chapter in his coaching career. However, he might not be making the move alone. Reports suggest that the Saints are interested in interviewing a couple of Eagles position coaches for their coordinator roles. As Moore prepares to take the helm in New Orleans, the possibility of bringing familiar faces from his past teams into his new staff is a significant one.
Saints Eyeing Christian Parker for Defensive Coordinator
According to SI’s Albert Breer, the Saints will interview Christian Parker, the Eagles’ passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach, for their defensive coordinator vacancy. At just 33 years old, Parker has already made a name for himself in the coaching world. In his first year under Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Parker’s defensive backs unit was a cornerstone of the team’s success, leading the NFL in pass defense and contributing significantly to the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory. His ability to coach and develop young talent, such as rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, who both delivered high-level performances, has been particularly noteworthy. Parker’s experience and success in such a pivotal role make him a strong candidate for the Saints, who are looking to revamp their defense.
Saints Considering Doug Nussmeier for Offensive Coordinator
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Saints are also set to interview Eagles quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier for their offensive coordinator position. Nussmeier’s connection to Moore is well-established, as they have worked together on multiple teams, including the Cowboys and the Chargers, before reuniting in Philadelphia. Moore not only brought Nussmeier to the Eagles when he joined as offensive coordinator, but their collaborative efforts also yielded impressive results. Despite the Eagles’ run-heavy offense in 2024, Nussmeier’s relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Super Bowl MVP, was a key factor in Hurts’ development and success. This strong mentorship and strategic partnership could be valuable assets for the Saints, who are eager to build a competitive offense under Moore’s leadership.
The Eagles’ Perspective
While Coach Nick Sirianni of the Eagles understands the nature of the coaching profession, he is likely not thrilled about the prospect of his staff being poached. Losing key personnel, especially those who have contributed to the team’s recent Super Bowl win, can be disruptive. However, the reality of the NFL is that talented coaches often move on to bigger opportunities. Sirianni and the Eagles have faced this challenge before, as evidenced by the departure of linebackers coach Nick Rallis to Arizona to join Jonathan Gannon’s staff after the 2022 Super Bowl season. Despite the potential setbacks, Sirianni and the organization will need to focus on maintaining continuity and finding capable replacements should any of their coaches move on.
Other Candidates in the Mix
The Saints are not limiting their search to just the Eagles. They have already interviewed Daronte Jones, the Vikings’ defensive backs coach, and are planning to interview Brandon Staley, the 49ers’ assistant head coach, for the defensive coordinator role. Staley, who has a strong reputation and a high-profile background, might be the frontrunner in the interview process. Nevertheless, Parker’s recent success with the Eagles and his potential to implement a robust pass defense make him an attractive candidate. On the offensive side, Kevin Patullo, the Eagles’ passing game coordinator, has been linked to the Saints’ offensive coordinator opening. Patullo, like Nussmeier, has been integral to the Eagles’ offensive success, and his name being floated for the role underscores the competitive nature of the search.
A New Era for the Saints
The Saints are at a critical juncture, with Kellen Moore bringing a fresh perspective and a proven track record to the franchise. If he manages to poach talented coaches like Christian Parker and Doug Nussmeier, it could significantly bolster his chances of success. Both Parker and Nussmeier bring a wealth of experience and a recent history of excellence, which aligns perfectly with Moore’s vision for the team. For the Eagles, the loss of these coaches would be a blow, but it also speaks to the quality of their coaching staff and the respect they have earned in the league. As the interviews unfold, all eyes will be on how these moves impact both the Saints and the Eagles in the coming season.
