Not all NFL coaches become highly successful in the same way. Some reach a championship opportunity after years of grinding their way up, while others have a calling they seem destined to achieve. New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore seems to be in the latter case of that list of former players who always seem poised for coaching from the time they enter the game. Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford recently discussed Moore on the Green Light Podcast with Chris Long.
Stafford Has High Praise For Saints Head Coach
Stafford reflected on his time as teammates with the Saints’ head coach while they were both with the Detroit Lions and explained that it became apparent almost immediately that coaching was in his future.
“Like, you saw that early,” Stafford said. “You would see him, and man, this guy, he had a knack for the game, understanding for play calling and, and doing all those kind of things even as a player. So, you know, it’s cool to see both those guys do their thing and be so successful at what they do, and looks like they’re both having a ton of fun doing it.”
When Stafford spoke, it seemed like he was talking about more than just a backup in Detroit. He saw a person who could do more than just be a game manager. Stafford noted attributes like play-calling instinct and a knowledge of offenses that usually determine the difference between an effective assistant coach and someone truly great.
It might not be the most important of those details, though, that those instincts were apparent when they were teammates. It means that their new coach was always viewing things through the eyes of a coach.
Stafford said that those skills were always inside the Saints’ head coach and developed after his career was over. It is the opinion of a guy who has played with or against countless offensive coordinators and coaches, and they have to think his opinion of people is spot on if he thinks this about his new coach.
Saints Head Coach Has Climbed the Coaching Ladder in a Hurry
Moore’s rise through the coaching ranks has been on the fast track since retiring. Following the 2017 season, he quickly transitioned into coaching with the Dallas Cowboys. Within a year, he was promoted to offensive coordinator at just 30 years old, leading one of the NFL’s most productive offenses from 2019 through 2022.
Moore then spent one season as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers before joining the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. There, he helped engineer one of the NFL’s most efficient offenses and played a key role in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl LIX championship run.
His success earned him the opportunity to become the 19th head coach in New Orleans Saints history ahead of the 2025 season. Despite inheriting a difficult situation, Moore guided the Saints to victories in four of their final five games, finishing 6-11 while overseeing the development of rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.
Although still one of the NFL’s youngest head coaches, Moore has already built an impressive résumé, compiling experience with four organizations and earning a reputation as one of football’s brightest offensive minds.
What Stafford’s Comments Mean for the Saints’ Head Coach
Coming from a former teammate, Stafford’s words cannot be taken for mere flattery. They lend support to the notion that the Saints’ head coach has had the mind of an elite football player since he wore a player’s helmet before coaching shoes, and the Saints are wagering that those same instincts will carry them to a brighter tomorrow.
Main Image: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
