Kellen Moore is sticking around in New Orleans.
Moore, as expected, has agreed to a deal to become the next head coach of the New Orleans Saints, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported Tuesday. The team later announced the official hire.
"At the start of the interview process, it was important to find a head coach who was the right fit for the New Orleans Saints organization," Saints owner Gayle Benson said in a statement. "Through the search process, it became clear that Kellen is the right person to help us re-establish a winning program and culture that our fans are accustomed to and have come to expect. I would also like to thank Darren Rizzi for his service as interim coach and leading our team this past season. I am truly grateful to him."
The Insiders added that Saints general manager Mickey Loomis called other head coaching candidates to deliver the news of Moore's hiring.
"I would like to welcome Kellen Moore and his family to New Orleans," Loomis said. "He is an outstanding communicator with the ability to lead people and has a clear vision for this football team. Through this head coaching search, we had the opportunity to meet with several impressive candidates and I thank them for their hard work and preparation in this process."
Just two days after helping the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl LIX win at the Caesars Superdome in NOLA, the Philly offensive coordinator will be staying in the city for the long haul.
"I am excited to join the New Orleans Saints and deeply appreciate the faith that Mrs. Benson and the entire Saints organization have placed in me," Moore said. "I look forward to embracing the challenges ahead and am eager to get started. I would also like to thank the Philadelphia Eagles for an incredible 2024 season. I'm excited to begin this new chapter."
The 35-year-old Moore is on the move to a different job for the fourth straight season, but this will be his first head coaching job in the NFL. He was with the Dallas Cowboys from 2018-2022 (the last four as their OC) and the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023 before his one year in Philly.
Prior to Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts' three-touchdown Super Bowl MVP performance in Philadelphia's 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, it was reported that the plan was for Moore and the Saints to finalize a deal. Now, Moore will officially succeed Dennis Allen, who was fired amid a 5-12 2024 season.
In his one season with Philadelphia, Moore piloted the Eagles offense to top-eight rankings in points scored and total yards, which included Saquon Barkley becoming the ninth 2,000-yard rusher in NFL history.
Fresh off winning his first Super Bowl ring, Moore will aim to turn around a franchise that's been absent from the postseason since 2021.
As for Philadelphia and Hurts, they find themselves in very familiar territory.
Moore's exit ensures that the Eagles will have their fourth different offensive coordinator in as many years when the 2025 season kicks off and they begin their Super Bowl defense.
