Kellen Moore Set to Take the Helm as New Orleans Saints Head Coach
In a move that has been anticipated by many, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is on the brink of becoming the new head coach for the New Orleans Saints. According to league sources who spoke with ESPN, Moore’s appointment is expected to proceed smoothly, barring any unforeseen developments.
Moore has been the frontrunner for the Saints’ head coaching position since he completed two interviews with the team last month. The Saints are being meticulous in their approach, ensuring that all procedures are followed to the letter to avoid any potential penalties. This caution stems from a lesson learned from the Arizona Cardinals, who faced penalties for tampering with then-Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, whom they eventually hired as their head coach.
The Cardinals and the Eagles reached an agreement on a draft compensation penalty due to a phone call between Gannon and the Cardinals during a no-contact period before Super Bowl LVII. With their own history of being in the NFL’s crosshairs, the Saints are keen to avoid any similar missteps. As a result, they plan to wait until after Super Bowl LIX on Sunday before finalizing any agreement with Moore, according to sources. Both parties are not expected to face any significant hurdles in reaching a deal once they reconvene post-Super Bowl.
Moore is poised to see a significant increase in his salary, potentially more than doubling or even tripling it. It’s an opportunity that few would pass up, especially when it means joining the exclusive ranks of the NFL’s 32 head coaches. Sources indicate that Moore has privately expressed his interest in the Saints job and is eager to take on the role. The Saints, in turn, are equally enthusiastic about bringing him on board, which is why a deal is anticipated to be finalized once the Super Bowl concludes, assuming no unexpected breakdowns in contract negotiations occur.
Earlier this week, Moore refrained from providing details but did share with reporters on Monday that he had a “great” experience during his meeting with Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and other team officials in Philadelphia last week.
While Moore does not have previous head coaching experience in the NFL, he has demonstrated success as a play caller. Under his guidance, the Eagles’ offense ranked eighth in the NFL in total offense, averaging 367.2 yards per game this season, and they were second in rushing, with 179.3 yards per game.
The Saints are currently the only NFL team with a head coach vacancy. They parted ways with Dennis Allen during the season, with special teams coach Darren Rizzi stepping in as interim head coach. Other potential candidates for the position included Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who chose not to pursue the Saints job, and Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who decided to remain in Buffalo instead of seeking a second interview with New Orleans. Aaron Glenn, another candidate, interviewed virtually with the Saints but was ultimately hired as the head coach of the Jets.
- Kellen Moore is expected to become the New Orleans Saints’ head coach.
- Moore has been the top candidate since completing interviews last month.
- The Saints are cautious to avoid penalties, learning from the Cardinals’ tampering case.
- Moore’s salary is expected to significantly increase with the new role.
- The Saints are the last NFL team with a head coach opening.
Originally Written by: Adam Schefter
