New Orleans Saints fans are feeling excitement for the first time in a very long while. Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who is expected to be named Saints head coach now that the season has concluded, is fresh off leading his team to a Super Bowl victory that featured a 40-point drubbing of Steve Spagnuolo's mighty defense.
While Moore's creative offensive mind was likely very attractive for a Saints team that was stuck in the pits with Dennis Allen last year, this team will need to knock the defensive coordinator hire out of the park. Due to Moore's lack of experience and the fact many stars will be jettisoned, hiring a good DC may determine the ceiling for this team.
One candidate who has a connection to Moore is former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, who spent last season in a defense-focused assistant head coach role with the San Francisco 49ers. While he left a bad taste in the mouths of many fans across the league, he could get another chance to run a defense thanks to Moore.
NFL insider and writer Mike Silver believes that Moore would have "strong interest" in naming Staley his defensive coordinator. The hire would be uninspiring, but it would make logical sense, as Staley hired Moore as his offensive coordinator during his tenure with the Chargers.
Kellen Moore could hire Brandon Staley as New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator
Staley was one of the best defensive coordinators in the league once upon a time, as the Chargers hired him after his 2020 Los Angeles Rams defense was the best in the league. However, that performance may have been more due to prime Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey than Staley's skill.
Not only was Staley a mediocre head coach, but his defenses were often a source of major irritation for Chargers fans. Staley never ranked better than 21st in points per game in three seasons with LA, and his recent performance with the 49ers suggests that his schematic innovations have hit their sell-by date.
While this may not be the best move in the world, Staley could find new life in New Orleans. Before he failed as a head coach, Allen re-established himself as one of the best DCs in the game with the Saints. Perhaps Staley could get his mojo back as a DC with full control of his unit alongside a young, offensive coach like Moore.
Moore is going to bring a very cool offense to New Orleans, but that won't be enough to reestablish the Saints as a contender. Staley is a drab hire, and Moore should at least shop around before committing to him.