Kellen Moore/Courtesy of Philadelphia Eagles
The Saints have agreed to terms with Kellen Moore to be the team’s next head coach. Moore just helped the Eagles win a Super Bowl as the team’s offensive coordinator. Luke Johnson covers the Saints for NOLA.com and says it appears to be a solid hire for the Black and Gold.
“Just in terms of a football mind, they’re getting a really good one. I think what is going to remain to be seen, is whether he can command a room. I think that’s one of the criticisms of him as a head coaching candidate, is that he’s not a super charismatic guy,” Johnson said.
Moore is only 36 years old, but has six years of experience as an offensive coordinator in the NFL.
Moore was also a record-setting quarterback at Boise State going 50-3 as a starter. He spent six seasons as a quarterback in the NFL.
Moore will have his challenges as a first-time head coach as he takes over a team where the better players are older and it’s unclear who the long-term quarterback will be. Johnson expects the Saints to be patient with Moore.
“More than anything, it’s based on the history of the organization. Mickey Loomis obviously didn’t want to fire Dennis Allen, despite the team’s struggles in Allen’s time here. I think they’re willing to be patient with this, because that’s who they are,” Johnson said.
Johnson says Moore could be bringing Doug Nussmeier with him to New Orleans. Nussmeier is the quarterbacks coach for Philadelphia and Johnson says Nussmeier is connected to the Saints and Louisiana.
“He played for the Saints in the nineties, his son is the quarterback at LSU. That one feels pretty solid,” Johnson said.
Johnson says it’s expected former Chargers head coach Brandon Staley will be the Saints new defensive coordinator.
QUOTES ON THE HIRING OF KELLEN MOORE
AS THE 19TH HEAD COACH IN SAINTS’ FRANCHISE HISTORY:
The New Orleans Saints announced today that they have agreed with Kellen Moore to become the 19th head coach in franchise history.
Moore, a 13-year NFL veteran, played quarterback for six seasons (2012-17) and entered the coaching ranks in 2018, serving as an offensive coordinator for the past six campaigns. Moore comes to New Orleans after serving as offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024.
“At the start of the interview process, it was important to find a head coach who was the right fit for the New Orleans Saints organization,” said Owner Gayle Benson. “Through the search process, it became clear that Kellen is the right person to help us re-establish a winning program and culture that our fans are accustomed to and have come to expect. I would also like to thank Darren Rizzi for his service as interim coach and leading our team this past season. I am truly grateful to him.”
“I would like to welcome Kellen Moore and his family to New Orleans,” said Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis. “He is an outstanding communicator with the ability to lead people and has a clear vision for this football team. Through this head coaching search, we had the opportunity to meet with several impressive candidates and I thank them for their hard work and preparation in this process.”
“I am excited to join the New Orleans Saints and deeply appreciate the faith that Mrs. Benson and the entire Saints organization have placed in me,” said Saints Head Coach Kellen Moore. “I look forward to embracing the challenges ahead and am eager to get started. I would also like to thank the Philadelphia Eagles for an incredible 2024 season. I’m excited to begin this new chapter.”
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