The New Orleans Saints have finally found their new head coach, and it’s none other than Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. After a lengthy hiring process, the Saints are expected to bring in Moore as their next leader. However, the team can’t make it official until after the Eagles face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59 on Sunday in New Orleans.
Kellen Moore: The NFL’s Youngest Head Coach
At 36, Moore will become the youngest head coach in the NFL, surpassing the Seattle Seahawks’ Mike Macdonald, who is 37. Moore quickly climbed the coaching ranks after retiring as a player, and now, he is ready to lead one of the league’s most storied franchises.
Kellen Moore’s Coaching Journey: From Quarterback To Play-Caller
After his playing days as a backup quarterback for the Detroit Lions (2012-14) and Dallas Cowboys (2015-17), Moore wasted no time transitioning into coaching. He joined the Cowboys as their quarterbacks coach in 2018, working closely with Dak Prescott. A year later, he was promoted to offensive coordinator, where he built one of the league’s most explosive offenses.
Report: Eagles’ OC Kellen Moore is expected to be named the new head coach of the New Orleans Saints#FlyEaglesFly | @drewmsmith https://t.co/nM2r73VFHD
— The Liberty Line (@LibertyLinePHL) February 9, 2025
During his time as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, Moore’s units twice led the NFL in total yards. In three of his four seasons, Dallas ranked in the top six in scoring, with 2020 being the only exception after Prescott suffered a season-ending ankle injury. After the Cowboys’ divisional-round playoff loss in 2023, Moore and the team mutually parted ways, with head coach Mike McCarthy opting to take over play-calling duties.
Kellen Moore then spent a season as the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive coordinator before joining the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. With the Eagles, he crafted a dynamic offense that finished second in rushing, powered by All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley, who racked up an impressive 2,005 rushing yards during the regular season.
Also Read: Who Is The Youngest NFL Coach?
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A Complicated Saints Coaching Search
The Saints’ coaching search wasn’t easy. Several candidates withdrew or took jobs elsewhere before New Orleans landed on Kellen Moore. Aaron Glenn, formerly the Detroit Lions defensive coordinator and a Saints assistant under Sean Payton, scheduled a second interview but chose to accept the New York Jets’ head-coaching job instead. Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady also pulled out after a virtual interview, and the Washington Commanders decided not to pursue the position.
Even Mike McCarthy, let go by the Cowboys, chose to sit out this hiring cycle instead of accepting the Saints’ offer. This decision made Moore the top candidate to replace Dennis Allen, whom the team fired in November after starting the season 2-7.
Saints’ Salary Cap Struggles And Roster Questions
Kellen Moore will have much on his plate when he officially takes over in New Orleans. According to Over The Cap, the Saints are projected to be $54 million over the salary cap in 2025. That means the team must restructure contracts and make tough roster decisions.
Philadelphia Eagles OC Kellen Moore 🧵
— James Light (@JamesALight) February 9, 2025
– Bunch Spacing & Mesh
– Packaging/Sequencing Plays
– 2021 Dallas Cowboys Passing Game Playbook pic.twitter.com/5FwEY45IFv
Quarterback Derek Carr’s situation is one of the most pressing issues. He played just 10 games in 2024 due to an oblique injury and a fractured left hand. His contract carries a massive cap hit of over $51 million next season, with a $10 million roster bonus due in mid-March. Releasing him would leave the Saints with a $50 million dead cap hit, making his future with the team uncertain.
Other longtime Saints players could also be on the move. Defensive end Cameron Jordan, right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, and versatile tight end Taysom Hill all have uncertain futures as the team looks to free up cap space.
Eagles Set For Another Offensive Coordinator Change
While Kellen Moore takes on a new challenge in New Orleans, the Eagles will search for their fourth different offensive coordinator in as many years. Shane Steichen (2022) landed a head-coaching job, while Brian Johnson (2023) was let go after one season. Now, with Moore departing, Philadelphia will need to find another leader for its offense heading into 2025.
What’s Next?
For now, Kellen Moore’s hiring remains unofficial, as the Saints must wait until after the Super Bowl to finalize the deal. But barring any surprises, New Orleans has found its next head coach- one of the league’s brightest young minds in Kellen Moore. Now, he faces the challenge of rebuilding a struggling Saints team, navigating salary cap issues, and deciding the future of key players. The Saints finally have their coach, but the hard work is just beginning.
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