In a surprising and unexpected twist, Kellen Moore, the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, has turned down an offer from Gayle Benson, the owner of the New Orleans Saints, to become the team’s next head coach. The decision has left the Saints organization and their fanbase reeling, especially after a highly publicized courting process that seemed to position Moore as the front-runner to take over the struggling franchise.
Despite Moore’s impressive resume and rising reputation as an innovative offensive mind, the former Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator has firmly rejected the Saints’ offer to step into the head coaching role. In a statement provided to the media, Moore explained his reasons for turning down the opportunity and shed light on his decision-making process, which involved both personal and professional considerations.
Kellen Moore’s Reasons for Declining the Offer
Moore’s decision has shocked many, especially after his success with the Chargers, where he helped quarterback Justin Herbert flourish while overseeing one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses. The New Orleans Saints, coming off several seasons of mediocrity and turmoil following the departure of Drew Brees, were seen as a team in need of a revitalizing force at head coach. Gayle Benson, the Saints’ owner, and the front office appeared eager to have Moore bring his creative offensive schemes and leadership to New Orleans. However, Moore’s reasons for turning down the deal were multifaceted.
1. Desire for Stability and Control
One of the most significant reasons Moore cited for rejecting the Saints’ offer was the level of control and stability he felt he could secure in his current role with the Chargers versus what was being presented in New Orleans. “I’ve spent years building a relationship with the Chargers’ leadership and with Justin Herbert,” Moore explained. “We’ve created a unique offensive identity here, and it’s a situation where I feel I have the resources and the support to succeed.”
Moore’s rejection is, in part, a reflection of the uncertainties surrounding the Saints’ franchise at this moment in time. With the team coming off a disappointing season and ownership still recovering from the passing of the legendary Tom Benson, the franchise has struggled to find its footing post-Drew Brees. Despite having talent on both sides of the ball, the Saints have been in search of a coach who can both rebuild and restore the team to its former glory.
“While New Orleans is an incredible city and the Saints are a storied franchise, the long-term vision I’m looking for is something I felt was stronger in Los Angeles at this moment,” Moore said. “I need to be in a situation where I feel like I can grow with the organization, and the Chargers have committed to me in a way that offers that.”
2. Pressure and Expectations of the Saints’ Job
The position of head coach with the New Orleans Saints is undeniably one of the most coveted jobs in the NFL. But with that comes tremendous pressure, especially following the Brees era. The team has been in a transitional phase, and many analysts believe the next head coach must lead the Saints back into Super Bowl contention quickly. For Moore, the pressure to produce immediate results was a significant concern.
“Coaching in New Orleans comes with immense expectations. I’ve always prided myself on developing an offense that takes its time and develops chemistry. But in New Orleans, there’s a certain expectation to win immediately,” Moore explained. “I’m not afraid of challenges, but I need the right environment to build something sustainable, and the timeline for the Saints right now may not align with what I’m looking for.”
This admission speaks to Moore’s desire to take on a head coaching job where he can establish long-term success without the immediate need to perform at a championship level right out of the gate. With the Saints in the midst of a roster transition and searching for their next quarterback, Moore may have felt the position was too much of a quick-fix project.
3. Desire to Continue Growing as an Offensive Coordinator
Though he’s been heavily linked to head coaching roles over the past few seasons, Moore made it clear that he is not yet in a rush to transition into the top spot on the sideline. Having spent several years as a highly regarded offensive coordinator, first with the Dallas Cowboys and now with the Chargers, Moore seems to be committed to further honing his skills as an offensive architect before taking on the all-encompassing responsibilities of a head coach.
“I love being an offensive coordinator,” Moore said. “It’s where I can have the most impact on a game, and I enjoy working with quarterbacks to develop them. My focus right now is on that role, and I’m fortunate to be with a team where I can continue to grow.”
This decision reflects Moore’s personal and professional approach: he’s not rushing into head coaching just because it’s the next logical step in his career. His commitment to continuing his work with Herbert and his role in shaping the Chargers’ offense is a reflection of his belief that growth and development come over time, not necessarily through immediate promotions.
4. Personal and Family Considerations
Like many of the NFL’s top coaches and executives, Moore’s decision wasn’t purely professional; it was also influenced by his personal life. After spending much of his career in Dallas and now Los Angeles, Moore has built strong ties with his family and community. Taking on a head coaching role, with its grueling hours and travel demands, could have potentially strained those relationships.
“I have to consider the personal sacrifices that come with coaching, especially as a head coach,” Moore said. “The time commitment required can be overwhelming, and I want to make sure that my family is a priority.”
While Moore acknowledged that his career trajectory could one day lead him to a head coaching position, he emphasized that he wasn’t ready to make such a drastic change yet.
Gayle Benson’s Response
Saints owner Gayle Benson expressed respect for Moore’s decision, despite the disappointment it brought. “We are grateful to Kellen for considering our offer and for the thoughtful discussions we had with him,” she said in a statement. “We understand and respect his decision to remain in Los Angeles and continue his work with the Chargers. The search for the next head coach of the New Orleans Saints will continue, and we are committed to finding the right individual who can lead our team forward.”
The Saints, now facing yet another round of head coach interviews, will need to adjust their strategy as they search for someone who can restore the team’s glory years. The rejection of Moore, who was seen as one of the more promising candidates, leaves the franchise with more questions than answers.
What’s Next for the Saints?
The Saints’ head coaching search is now back to square one. With Moore off the table, the franchise will need to reassess its options. Names like Eric Bieniemy (offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders), Ben Johnson (offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions), and others may now rise to the forefront as potential candidates.
Meanwhile, Moore will continue to be a key figure in the Chargers’ pursuit of offensive excellence, and his decision may very well lead to even greater opportunities in the future, either as a head coach or in another high-profile role.
For now, the Saints will have to move forward, and the search for their next leader will continue, with Gayle Benson and the front office hopeful that the right fit is out there somewhere. The journey for New Orleans, much like the game itself, is far from over.