In a headline-grabbing moment that has sent waves through the NFL community, New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore has reacted in visible shock following a sharp and unexpected critique from legendary former Saints coach Sean Payton.
Payton, widely revered in New Orleans for leading the franchise to its only Super Bowl title, reportedly voiced serious doubts about the current state and future trajectory of the Saints under Moore’s leadership. According to sources close to Payton, the former coach is “deeply concerned” that the team’s identity is “slipping away,” citing what he called a “lack of offensive clarity and leadership tone” since Moore took the reins.
Kellen Moore, who took over the Saints amid high expectations, addressed the report during a press conference earlier today.
“I’m honestly surprised and disappointed,” Moore said. “I have great respect for what Coach Payton did for this city and this organization. That said, we’re building our own path now. The energy in this locker room is strong, and we’re focused on the future, not the past.”
Payton’s critique reportedly stemmed from internal reports and game tape reviews that, in his view, reveal a team that is “undisciplined in key moments” and “still searching for an identity on both sides of the ball.”
Moore, known for his creative offensive mind during his time with the Cowboys and Chargers, has struggled at times to find consistency in New Orleans, especially with quarterback play and red-zone execution. Still, many within the Saints organization continue to back Moore, pointing to strong player development and culture-building behind the scenes.
The Saints fanbase is now split—some defending Payton’s right to speak candidly, others accusing him of undermining the current regime.
This controversy puts added pressure on Moore heading into the season, with fans and analysts alike wondering whether Payton’s comments will serve as a wake-up call or a distraction.
Do you think Moore should take Payton’s comments as constructive criticism—or was it out of bounds?