New Orleans football is in a weird spot. Honestly, it’s felt a bit like a fever dream since Drew Brees hung up the cleats, hasn't it? But right now, the name on everyone’s lips isn't a flashy wide receiver or a breakout linebacker. It's Moore. Specifically, Kellen Moore, the man tasked with steering this ship through the choppy waters of the post-2025 landscape.
If you've been following the Saints lately, you know the vibe is... complicated. We just came off a 6-11 season. That sounds bad—and it wasn't great—but the context matters. After a brutal 1-8 start, Moore somehow kept the locker room from imploding. The Saints actually finished the year looking like a professional football team again.
The Kellen Moore Factor: What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of folks look at the 2025 record and think Moore is on the hot seat. They're wrong. In fact, Mickey Loomis and the front office have already signaled that Moore is the guy for 2026. Why? Because the offense actually started to "make sense" by December.
Moore inherited a mess. Derek Carr retired abruptly, leaving the team to scramble with rookie Tyler Shough. You can’t just install a complex Air Coryell system overnight with a kid under center. Moore’s genius—the same stuff that helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LIX—is his ability to adapt. By the time we hit the Week 15 win against Carolina, the offense wasn't just surviving; it was creative.
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It’s easy to forget Moore is only 36. He’s the youngest head coach in the league. People mistake his calm demeanor for a lack of "fire," but the way he managed the development of rookie left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. shows he knows exactly what he’s doing with the trenches.
The Dante Moore Ripple Effect
Now, if you’re searching for "New Orleans Saints Moore," you’re probably also seeing a ton of draft rumors. This is where things get spicy. Up until a few days ago, the draft community was convinced the Saints might snag Dante Moore, the Oregon quarterback, at the No. 8 spot.
Then the bombshell dropped.
Dante Moore decided to stay in school for another year at Oregon. This completely flips the Saints' draft board on its head. Without Dante Moore as an option, the Saints are now looking at a "best player available" scenario.
What this means for the 2026 Draft:
- Defense is the new priority. With the top QBs staying in school or going early (looking at you, Vegas and the Jets), the Saints are likely pivoting to the defensive line.
- The David Bailey Hype. Keep an eye on the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He’s a monster off the edge, and Kellen Moore knows this defense needs a spark.
- Drafting for the System. Since Kellen is staying, the Saints can actually draft players that fit his specific offensive architecture rather than just taking "the best athlete."
Why the Moore Era Still Matters
I get the skepticism. Being a Saints fan right now feels like waiting for a parade that keeps getting rained out. But Kellen Moore isn't just another coordinator-turned-coach who’s out of his depth. He’s a winner. His 50-3 record at Boise State isn't just a stat; it’s a reflection of his football IQ.
There’s also the matter of his College Football Hall of Fame nomination. It’s a bit of a distraction, sure, but it speaks to the level of respect he commands. When your head coach is a literal legend of the game, players listen.
Honestly, the biggest hurdle for the New Orleans Saints Moore connection isn't the playbook. It's the cap. We all know the Saints' salary cap situation is basically a game of high-stakes Jenga. Moore has to find ways to win with a roster that is constantly being churned for financial reasons.
What Really Happened with the Roster?
Let’s talk about the other Moore for a second. Rondale Moore was a name a lot of fans wanted to see in black and gold. Unfortunately, his injury history has been devastating. After missing the 2025 season with a knee injury in Minnesota, his NFL future is a giant question mark.
Then there’s Chris Moore. He played 14 games in 2025, providing a veteran presence, but he’s not the long-term answer. The Saints need explosive playmakers to complement Chris Olave.
Kellen Moore's job this offseason is to find those pieces. Whether it’s through a trade or finding a diamond in the rough in the mid-rounds of the draft, the "Moore Offense" needs more speed. Simple as that.
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Actionable Insights for Saints Fans
If you're trying to stay ahead of the curve on where this team is going, stop looking at the 2025 win-loss column. It's a liar.
- Watch the Trenches: The success of the Kellen Moore era lives and dies with the offensive line. Kelvin Banks Jr. is the cornerstone, but they need more.
- Forget the QB Obsession: With Dante Moore out of the 2026 draft, the Saints are likely sticking with Tyler Shough for another year of development. Don't get mad when they pass on a mediocre QB at No. 8.
- The "Hottest Team" Narrative: The Saints finished 2025 winning three of their last five. That momentum is real. Watch how they use that energy in the first four weeks of the 2026 season.
- Scout David Bailey: If you want to know who the Saints are likely taking in the first round, go watch tape on the Stanford/Big 12 edge rusher. He’s exactly what this 3-4 defense needs.
The Kellen Moore experiment in New Orleans is just beginning. It’s been a bumpy ride, but for the first time in years, there’s a clear vision in the building. Whether that vision leads back to the Superdome for a playoff game in 2026 is the big question, but for now, the Moore era has earned a bit of patience.
To stay updated on the latest roster moves, keep a close eye on the Ochsner Sports Performance Center reports as we head into the 2026 scouting combine. That is where the real identity of the "New Moore Saints" will finally be revealed.