The New Orleans Saints are poised to make a notable change in their coaching staff. Kellen Moore, who currently serves as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, is expected to be appointed as the new head coach of the Saints.

Following a season in which Moore played a pivotal role in leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl, the Saints are moving forward to secure his services as their new head coach. This transition signifies an exciting opportunity for Moore as he embarks on his inaugural head-coaching position in the NFL.

Reports indicate that the Saints aim to finalize the agreement by Monday. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport has noted that Moore will return with the Eagles after their Super Bowl appearance and subsequently initiate the process of solidifying his hiring with the Saints.

This decision will conclude the last head-coach vacancy in the NFL, with Moore set to take charge of a team eager to rejuvenate its offense after facing challenges in recent seasons.

Kellen Moore’s Journey to the New Orleans Saints

Kellen’s ascent to the position of head coach for the New Orleans Saints is remarkable. Over the last seven years, he has progressively advanced through the coaching ranks, demonstrating exceptional football knowledge and offensive creativity. Beginning his career as a quarterbacks coach, Moore eventually became the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers, and most recently, the Philadelphia Eagles.

His tenure with the Cowboys was particularly significant, as he gained recognition as one of the NFL’s leading offensive strategists, contributing to some of the league’s most effective offenses. However, following Mike McCarthy’s appointment as head coach in 2020, Moore’s responsibilities as play-caller were reduced, prompting his transition to the Chargers in 2023. Unfortunately, his experience in Los Angeles did not meet expectations, leading him to pursue a new opportunity with the Eagles for the 2024 season. 

In Philadelphia, Moore found an ideal setting, guiding the Eagles to an impressive eighth-place ranking in total yards per game during the 2024 regular season. The team’s rushing attack, led by Saquon Barkley, achieved a second-place ranking in the league, and their offensive achievements were instrumental in securing an NFC Championship and a Super Bowl berth.

This success has garnered interest from various teams seeking head coaches, with the Saints being the last to make a decision. Moore has quickly emerged as the leading candidate, and the timing of this potential move is critical, as his Eagles will complete their Super Bowl pursuit before the hiring process is finalized.

The Saints’ Choice to Employ Kellen Moore

The appointment of Moore as the new head coach of the Saints has been widely anticipated by both fans and analysts. The team has faced challenges in maintaining offensive consistency in recent years, particularly after the retirement of future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees.

Although there were optimistic expectations for Derek Carr, who joined the Saints in 2023, the offense continued to struggle with consistent production, especially in the passing game. 

Moore’s arrival is timely, as Carr is set to return for another season, providing Moore the chance to collaborate with the experienced quarterback to enhance the team’s offensive performance. His prior experience with quarterbacks such as Dak Prescott in Dallas and Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia is expected to positively influence Carr’s development in New Orleans. Furthermore, Moore will need to rejuvenate a receiving corps that has faced numerous injuries and inconsistencies.

The Saints’ offense in 2024 displayed moments of promise but failed to maintain that level throughout the season. Moore’s success in Philadelphia, particularly his skill in tailoring the offense around a versatile running back like Saquon Barkley, may prove crucial in transforming the Saints into a more balanced and formidable offensive team.

Moore’s Journey in Football: Transitioning from Player to Coach

Before transitioning to coaching, Moore had a notable playing career that set the stage for his achievements in the NFL. His football journey commenced as a high school quarterback in Washington, where he established multiple records.

He then advanced to Boise State, where he affirmed his reputation as one of the premier quarterbacks in college football, culminating in a remarkable five-year tenure with the Broncos, during which he became the first quarterback in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) to secure 50 career victories. 

Despite his outstanding collegiate accomplishments, Moore went undrafted in 2012. Nevertheless, he managed to build a six-year career in the NFL, mainly serving as a backup quarterback for the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys.

Although he did not hold a starting position, his experiences as a backup and practice squad player provided him with valuable insights into the game, which he later incorporated into his coaching approach. In 2018, Moore began his coaching career as a quarterbacks coach with the Dallas Cowboys.

His rapid ascent through the coaching ranks reflects his deep understanding of the game and his ability to engage with players effectively. His leadership and innovative offensive strategies have garnered him significant acclaim, making his promotion to head coach of the Saints a logical advancement in his coaching journey.

Kellen Moore’s Contributions to the Saints

As Moore embarks on his inaugural head-coaching position, he brings several essential qualities and philosophies to the Saints. A notable strength of Moore is his capacity to develop dynamic offenses; his tenures with the Cowboys and Eagles have seen his teams consistently rank among the top in the league for total yards and points.

His strategy prioritizes a well-rounded offensive approach, balancing both passing and rushing elements effectively. Additionally, Moore has a strong reputation for nurturing quarterback talent, evidenced by his success in enhancing player performance. Under his mentorship, Dak Prescott emerged as one of the NFL’s most reliable quarterbacks, while Jalen Hurts experienced a standout season in 2024.

With Derek Carr returning to the Saints, Moore is anticipated to apply his expertise to elevate Carr’s performance. Furthermore, Moore’s flexibility will be vital for the Saints’ success. He has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt his offensive strategies to leverage the strengths of his players.

Whether emphasizing a star quarterback like Dak Prescott or incorporating a formidable running back such as Saquon Barkley, Moore has proven his skill in making necessary adjustments to optimize his team’s capabilities.

Challenges Await Moore

The Saints are optimistic that Moore will revitalize their offense; however, he will encounter numerous challenges as he embarks on his role as head coach. The offense has struggled with consistency in recent seasons, necessitating improvements in the passing game, the identification of a reliable second receiving option, and the maintenance of Carr’s health throughout the year. Furthermore, it is essential for Moore to cultivate a strong rapport with the defensive players and coaching staff.

While his primary emphasis will be on offensive strategies, he must also ensure cohesive teamwork and high performance from the defense, which has historically been a strong point for the Saints. Moore’s ability to promote a winning culture across the entire team will be crucial for success.

Expert Editorial Comment

Kellen Moore‘s appointment as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints marks the beginning of a transformative phase for the organization. His creative offensive strategies, strong leadership abilities, and established success make him a promising candidate to restore the Saints’ prominence in the NFC South. Although obstacles lie ahead, the outlook appears optimistic for both Moore and the Saints, generating enthusiasm among fans eager to witness his impact in his inaugural head-coaching role.