The New Orleans Saints are in the final stages of their head coaching search, with their sights firmly set on two prime candidates: Kellen Moore, the offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Mike Kafka, the offensive coordinator of the New York Giants. While Kafka remains a viable option, the prevailing belief is that the Saints’ preferred choice is Moore, and the job is his if he chooses to accept it. However, Moore’s decision hinges on a critical factor: the Saints’ current quarterback situation, which, to put it mildly, is less than ideal.
The Saints’ 2023 season was marred by a revolving door at the quarterback position, a carousel of five different players attempting to fill the void. Derek Carr, initially envisioned as the solution, succumbed to injuries on two separate occasions, prematurely ending his season in Week 14. While Carr managed respectable numbers in his ten appearances, throwing for 15 touchdowns and averaging over 214 yards per game, his absence exposed the lack of depth and reliability behind him. Neither Spencer Rattler nor Jake Haener, the quarterbacks tasked with filling Carr’s shoes, managed to average 200 passing yards per game, and both recorded passer ratings below 70. This unstable quarterback situation has given Moore pause, as he understandably seeks a team with a more solidified presence under center.
Reports suggest that Moore initially harbored reservations about taking the Saints’ head coaching position due to this very quarterback conundrum. Diana Russini of The Athletic reported that there was “scuttlebutt” indicating Moore’s reluctance stemmed from the Saints’ lack of a clear-cut starting quarterback. A successful offensive coordinator, Moore likely recognizes the importance of a stable and competent quarterback in implementing his offensive schemes and achieving overall team success. Building a winning team, especially in the competitive NFC South, is a daunting task without a reliable quarterback at the helm.
However, the narrative has evolved. Russini also mentioned that Moore has seemingly warmed to the idea of coaching the Saints. This shift in perspective might be attributed to the Saints’ acknowledgement of the need for a rebuilding year. They appear to be tempering expectations for immediate success, understanding that a new coach requires time to implement his system and mold the roster to his vision. This realistic approach, coupled with the potential opportunity to shape the team’s future, may have swayed Moore’s initial skepticism.
The Saints’ patience in their coaching search is also noteworthy. As the last team with a head coaching vacancy, they are seemingly willing to wait until after the Super Bowl, where Moore’s Eagles are competing, to formally extend an offer. This demonstrates their commitment to securing their top candidate and their respect for Moore’s current responsibilities. It also suggests that the Saints are prioritizing a long-term vision, recognizing that immediate gratification might not be attainable given their current roster construction.
Moore’s credentials as an offensive architect are undeniable. He orchestrated one of the NFL’s most dominant rushing attacks this season with the Eagles, propelling Saquon Barkley to the league’s rushing title and within striking distance of the all-time rushing record. Barkley amassed an impressive 2,005 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, a testament to Moore’s offensive prowess. Beyond the ground game, the Eagles excelled across the board, ranking eighth in total offense and seventh in scoring offense, culminating in a 14-3 regular season record. This success followed a stint with the Dallas Cowboys, where Moore served as offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022. During his tenure in Dallas, he led the offense to the top spot in total yardage twice and positioned them within the top six in scoring on three occasions. He also held the offensive coordinator position with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023 before being dismissed alongside the rest of the coaching staff. This track record of offensive innovation and success makes him a highly sought-after commodity in the coaching market.
The Saints face a critical juncture. Their pursuit of Kellen Moore signals an ambition to revitalize their offense and return to contention. However, the allure of Moore’s offensive genius may not be enough to overcome the significant hurdle of their questionable quarterback situation. The Saints must convince Moore that they have a viable plan to address this deficiency, whether through free agency, the draft, or a combination of both. If they can successfully articulate their vision for the quarterback position and demonstrate a commitment to providing Moore with the necessary tools to succeed, they may just land their top target and begin the process of rebuilding a once-proud franchise. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the direction of the Saints and the future of Kellen Moore.
