Kellen Moore Likely to Become the Next New Orleans Saints Head Coach
The New Orleans Saints appear to be on the verge of hiring Kellen Moore as their next head coach. Based on projections from Kalshi, a newly emerging betting market that differs from traditional sportsbooks by allowing bettors to wager against each other rather than the house, Moore’s chances of landing the position stand at an overwhelming 94 percent.
Kalshi operates by displaying real-time betting activity, including the total money wagered and recent transactions. These factors influence the probability percentages assigned to different outcomes. As of the time of writing, a significant sum—$148,265—has been bet on this particular coaching hire, reflecting strong confidence from bettors in the information available.
Unlike standard sportsbooks, Kalshi functions as a prediction market, making it legally available in all 50 U.S. states. Because of this distinction, Kalshi can offer betting markets that traditional sportsbooks cannot. Those interested in wagering on this coaching decision can do so through Kalshi, and further details about how the platform determines its pricing can be found in their FAQ section.
Moore’s Candidacy Strengthened by McCarthy’s Withdrawal
Moore’s current position as the frontrunner was bolstered by the recent withdrawal of another top candidate, Mike McCarthy. The former Dallas Cowboys head coach had been considered a strong contender, with his odds reaching 85 percent just days prior. However, reports indicate that McCarthy ultimately removed himself from consideration for the role.
This development leaves Moore in the driver’s seat. The former offensive coordinator for both the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Chargers is currently on staff with the Philadelphia Eagles. Since the Eagles are preparing for Super Bowl 2025 against the Kansas City Chiefs on February 9, Moore is unable to finalize any agreement with the Saints until after the game.
Although there remains a possibility that another candidate could emerge, Moore’s chances appear significantly stronger than the rest of the field. Other potential hires include Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi, who holds the second-highest probability, albeit trailing Moore by a considerable margin.
Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka ranks third in the betting odds but is a long shot with just a one percent probability. A handful of even less likely candidates, including Joe Brady and Eric Bieniemy, remain on the fringes of contention.
The Saints’ Struggles and Urgent Need for Leadership
The Saints are the last NFL team without a head coach heading into the 2025 offseason, which places urgency on their hiring decision. The franchise is coming off a disastrous 5-12 season, prompting a need for fresh leadership to revamp the team. Moore, known for his offensive acumen, could provide the spark that the Saints desperately need to regain competitiveness in the NFC South.
New Orleans’ struggles in 2024 were largely attributed to an underwhelming offensive performance and inconsistent quarterback play. Moore’s track record as an offensive coordinator makes him a logical choice for a team seeking to modernize its play-calling and maximize the potential of its skill players.
Moore’s Coaching Background and Offensive Expertise
Kellen Moore’s coaching career began soon after his playing days as a quarterback at Boise State and in the NFL with the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys. He transitioned into coaching in 2018, joining the Cowboys’ staff as their quarterbacks coach before quickly rising to offensive coordinator the following year.
During his tenure in Dallas, Moore’s offensive schemes were widely praised for their creativity and ability to maximize quarterback performance. The Cowboys consistently ranked among the top offenses in the league under his guidance.
Moore then moved on to become the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023, but after a disappointing season, he parted ways with the team. He later joined the Philadelphia Eagles as an offensive assistant, where he contributed to their successful 2024 campaign, helping them reach the Super Bowl.
Given his proven track record in developing quarterbacks and designing high-powered offenses, the Saints likely view Moore as the ideal candidate to revitalize their struggling offense.
Betting Landscape and Implications
The growing betting market surrounding NFL coaching hires underscores how fans and bettors alike are paying closer attention to the decision-making processes of franchises. Kalshi’s market on the Saints’ next head coach has generated significant interest, with a substantial amount of money placed on Moore’s hiring.
For those looking to wager on NFL-related events, various betting platforms and sportsbooks offer different opportunities beyond coaching hires. The rise of player prop betting, in particular, has become increasingly popular, allowing bettors to wager on individual player performances rather than just game outcomes.
What’s Next for the Saints and Moore?
While Moore remains the overwhelming favorite, the Saints’ search is not officially over until an agreement is reached. Since Moore is currently focused on preparing for the Super Bowl with the Eagles, discussions with the Saints may be limited until after the game concludes.
Should Moore officially take the position, his first order of business will be assessing the team’s roster and working with management to improve key areas, particularly on offense. The Saints must also make a decision regarding their quarterback situation, which remains unsettled after a disappointing 2024 campaign.
If Moore does take over, he will inherit a team that is eager for a fresh start after a frustrating season. His ability to implement a dynamic offensive system will be crucial in determining how quickly the Saints can turn things around.
The Broader Impact of Moore’s Potential Hiring
Moore’s potential hiring would mark a continuation of the trend in the NFL of hiring young, offensive-minded coaches. In recent years, teams have increasingly sought out innovative offensive coordinators to lead their franchises, following the success of coaches like Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, and Mike McDaniel.
Should Moore succeed in New Orleans, it could further solidify the belief that teams benefit from hiring coaches with strong backgrounds in offensive play-calling, particularly in a league that continues to prioritize high-scoring, pass-heavy offenses.
Additionally, his hiring could influence the decisions of other franchises in the coming years, particularly those looking to modernize their approach on offense.
Final Thoughts
While nothing is set in stone until after the Super Bowl, all indications point to Kellen Moore becoming the next head coach of the New Orleans Saints. His extensive experience as an offensive coordinator, coupled with his reputation for developing quarterbacks and designing effective schemes, makes him an attractive choice for a team in need of a fresh start.
The Saints, eager to move past a disappointing 5-12 season, seem poised to bring in Moore to lead the franchise into a new era. If he does take the job, his success—or failure—will have lasting implications, not only for New Orleans but also for how other NFL teams approach their coaching hires in the future.
