The Saints appear to have a favorite in their head coaching search, but they're going to have to wait before hiring him.
New Orleans plans to meet with Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore following Super Bowl LIX, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero reported.
The expected meeting will be the first time the two sides can speak and indicates Moore is the top choice for the vacant position, per Rapoport, Garafolo and Pelissero. Super Bowl LIX is conveniently in New Orleans, meaning Moore could just stay in town to meet with the Saints following the game.
Moore is in his first season as Eagles offensive coordinator, directing a unit that finished eighth in total yards per game thanks in large part to Saquon Barkley's 2,000-yard season, which powered Philadelphia to a second-place finish in rushing yards per game. It hasn't been an entirely smooth journey, though, as the Eagles have encountered some difficulties in consistently producing, especially through the air.
Barkley has made up for these minor deficiencies, helping Philadelphia win 12 of its final 13 regular-season games and win three playoff contests on its path to Super Bowl LIX.
Prior to his year with the Eagles, Moore spent one season as offensive coordinator for the Chargers but left Los Angeles after their dreadful 2023 campaign led the organization to fire coach Brandon Staley following a 5-12 finish. Moore had joined the Chargers following a five-year stint in Dallas, where he began as quarterbacks coach before ascending to offensive coordinator under both Jason Garrett and Mike McCarthy, departing only after McCarthy decided he preferred to take over play-calling duties entering 2023.
Moore has carried the reputation of a rising play-caller since his early days in Dallas -- explaining McCarthy's decision to retain him upon accepting the job in Dallas in 2020 -- but the 2022 and 2023 seasons served as reminders that such rises aren't always linear. His efforts in Philadelphia have helped the Eagles return to the Super Bowl, which seems to be enough to convince the Saints to pursue him for their vacancy.
Moore has been considered a top candidate for the position for weeks now, and with the Saints taking their time in making a decision, it appears as though they're content waiting for Moore's season to conclude before filling the job.
