The New Orleans Saints facing the Pittsburgh Steelers is one of the biggest standout games on the 2026 schedule. It's the first game ever played in Paris, and that's the biggest headline. One storyline flying under the radar is it also features a showdown between Kellen Moore and Mike McCarthy.
Moore vs McCarthy is a common theme throughout their careers. McCarthy wanting more control on the offensive direction was reportedly a driving force behind Moore leaving Dallas. When it came down to the Saints finding their head coach last offseason, Moore and McCarthy were two of the top candidates. This will be the first time they face off as head coaches.
McCarthy took a year away from coaching last season, but other than that, Moore has actually coached against McCarthy every year since leaving the Cowboys. Moore obviously played the Cowboys twice as the Eagles coordinator, and he also played them as the Chargers OC in 2023.
Kellen Moore can get his lick back vs. Mike McCarthy
Moore’s departure from Dallas was always seen as more of a split from McCarthy, rather than Cowboys. There was a belief at the time that Moore was the Cowboys’ next head coach in waiting. Moore had climbed up the ladder with Dallas every step of the way. There was the thought the next step would be the head coach. It was even some whispers that the pressure of an heir apparent in the building was the catalyst of the McCarthy wanting a change.
That of course was never confirmed either way, but it does make sense. The Cowboys had their typical playoff struggles, and there was doubt if McCarthy was the man for the job. Having your replacement on the staff would only decrease patience from the front office.
As is the case with most revenge games, there isn’t much evidence to suggest there’s any bad blood between Moore and McCarthy. This is Moore’s chance to get his lick back for McCarthy choosing to part ways. When looking at the philosophy differences, it’s Moore’s chance to show his philosophy is better. Flat out, Moore can prove McCarthy should have never let him go.
Ironically, Moore shot into the league-wide coaching conversation the same offseason the Cowboys let go of McCarthy. The door was wide open for Moore to return to Dallas, and they opted for Brian Schottenheimer.
Add us as a preferred source on Google