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.

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.

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.