Fans have grown unhappy with Kellen Moore, and the switch happened quickly. Talks of whether or not he's the right guy to lead the New Orleans Saints don't just stop at the fans. Owner Gayle Benson just put Moore on notice during the Greater New Orleans QB Club meeting, and made it crystal clear he's on the hot seat.
On the team's 1-4 start, Benson said, "that is not acceptable to me, and it falls short of what our fans truly deserve. I hear the frustration directed to our team and our organization. It is not lost on me." Saying "organization" feels like the message could also be directed towards Mickey Loomis, in addition to Moore.
There were two things Benson said that stuck out and suggests changes in leadership are imminent if changes in results don't occur. "As an owner, the responsibility does start with me. I will not make excuses, and I will not accept this level of performance as our standard. I am committed to making the decisions neccesary to improve this team." Then after laying out everyone's role in the organization, she made it clear "I am responsible for holding this organization accountable."
Kellen Moore is not guaranteed a third year as Saints head coach
This has been a season of reflection, and those moments of reflection have shown Mrs. Benson everything wrong with this organization in its current form.
It was the first time we've heard Mrs. Benson speak on the state of the team this year, and her frustration in her words were palpable in a way that couldn't be masked by her calm tone. It's the same frustration felt by many fans. However, she has the power to make the change, and it sounds like that's what she plans to do if things don't change.
What's interesting is it feels like Benson had the same turning point as all the Saints fans when it comes to the regime. The Saints have lost three games in a row, but during her speech, she singled out the loss to the Falcons.
"Losing this year's anniversary game to Atlanta was truly disappointing. Hearing our fan's memories of that homecoming reinforced how deeply this team is woven into their lives," Benson said. It sounded like that game, how the team lost it and everything around it was a bit of a wake up call.
A week after reflecting on what that moment should've have meant for the city vs. what actually happened, Drew Brees' induction into the Ring of Honor was another hit over the head. More than just a reminder of the success the Saints used to have, it was another reminder of the daily routines the team had to reach that level of success.
Preparation was a common theme Benson's speech. Brees represented extreme preparation, and so far the Saints haven't come close to i. That comes from Moore's own admission of fault.
Benson understands it's unacceptable to perform here and understands how talking isn't enough either. She's not only demanding change, she's putting the consequences on the table if things do not change. Benson didn't have to say the exact words for everyone to know Moore is officially on the hot seat.
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