Sources: Saints to Hire Kellen Moore

The final head coach opening in the NFL has been filled. On Tuesday morning, ESPN reported that the New Orleans Saints are hiring Kellen Moore.

Moore’s reported agreement comes less than two full days after Philadelphia’s victory over Kansas City in the Super Bowl. Moore, Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator, was also linked to Dallas’ opening ahead of the hiring of Brian Schottenheimer.

Moore became a familiar name to football fans while he quarterbacked Boise State from 2007 to 2011. Following his stellar career with the Broncos, Moore spent time with the Cowboys and Detroit Lions. After making three appearances (two starts) over the course of three seasons, Moore retired from playing and opted to begin his coaching career.

The former collegiate star operated as Dallas’ quarterbacks coach in 2017 and eventually became the offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022. Moore took on the same role with the Chargers in 2023 before opting to take the OC job with Philadelphia ahead of this past season.

With Moore calling the plays, Philadelphia averaged 27.2 points per game in the regular season (7th in the NFL) and 36.3 points per game in the postseason (1st). Since 2019, Moore’s offenses rank fifth in PPG (26.4) and yards per game (376.5). According to ESPN Research, Moore’s QBs have posted a 62.1 Total QBR during that time — that mark is also fifth-best.

The 36-year-old was one of four candidates to have an in-person interview with New Orleans. Ultimately, Moore beat out Darren Rizzi — New Orleans’ interim coach following Dennis Allen’s dismissal — Miami Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver and New York Giants OC Mike Kafka.

As Moore now looks to fill out his coaching staff, ESPN reports that former Chargers head coach Brandon Staley is the leading candidate to fill in as defensive coordinator. Before coaching the Chargers, Staley was lauded for his defensive prowess. Moore’s one season as OC of the Chargers coincided with Staley’s final season as the team’s HC.