Kellen Moore discusses leadership at Super Bowl Opening Night

(Photo courtesy of @MikeTriplett on X)

By Ross Jackson

As the New Orleans Saints intensify their pursuit of Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator for their head coaching vacancy, we caught up with him at Super Bowl Opening Night. He spoke about how his previous experiences have readied him for a head coaching position, his offense, quarterback Derek Carr, and more.

Here are some of the key quotes and takeaways from Moore’s discussion with New Orleans media. 

On being ready to be a head coach

“I was fortunate to go to Los Angeles and come to Philadelphia and grow. Each and every stop you’re around a bunch of different people that you haven’t been around stylistically. The way you lead, it’s all different each and every stop you go. And so I’ve been fortunate to be around some great people, team up with them, and continue to evolve and prepare myself.”

Moore has spent time with three separate teams as the offensive coordinator: Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers, and Philadelphia Eagles. During those stops, Moore has collected a ton of experience with varied coaching staffs and a diverse group of skill sets among his rosters.

On the interview with New Orleans

“There’s certainly a great opportunity. I think the big thing is really getting to know people. Certainly there’s philosophies and things that there’s going to be questions about, but I think it’s an excellent opportunity just to get face-to-face and get to know the people. And get to know the interactions and see the fit that it may be.”

On quarterback Derek Carr

“Derek and I played against each other one year. My senior year, his sophomore year. Yeah certainly, have known Derek for a long time. (I have) tons of respect for him as a quarterback in this league. He’s had a tremendous career and has done a lot of good things.”

On his leadership style as a head coach

“I’m going to lead my example. I believe (I will) lead the way I’ve always led. Certainly in different roles, it dictates certain things you have to do. You understand that as you go through this journey and so I’ve been fortunate enough to be around some of the best in the business to learn and grow from.”

“Lead your way. I think as long as you’re authentic and you’re real and you’re consistent with who you are, guys will respect that.”

One of the biggest questions around Moore has been centered around what his leadership style will be as a head coach. His general demeanor comes off as calm, cool, and collected. For Moore, it’s all about authenticity.

On the defense that best complements his offense

“Most important thing, I think, in being an offensive guy is what stresses you and what challenges you. And you kind of want to lean on ‘Hey, this gave us a hard time, why don’t we do these things?’”

Moore will have to build a staff should he take the job in New Orleans. One of his most important hires will be the defensive coordinator that will run the defense to complement his offensive attack. While he declined to share the details of what stresses and challenges his offense–he does have a big game on Sunday, after all–it’s clear that he has a vision for exactly the type of coordinator and defense he wants on the opposite side of the ball.

On his late-night film studies

“Any chance you get to learn and grow, I think it’s an opportunity to get better and better for yourself and better for the football team. I think we’re always trying to find different ways, trying different things, different opportunities, different things that we can navigate. So I think as a staff, we’re always doing that. We definitely embrace the growth mindset. We find an idea that’s from a high school team on Twitter, and we see it and we think it’s a fit, let’s do it. So that’s the exciting part.”

Sources with knowledge of Moore during his time in Dallas have consistently mentioned that they are not surprised when they find out that he’s working on film study and game preparation at 3:00 a.m. He is a noted film junky that is always scouring every level of football for ideas and plays that could be implemented into his offense. 

On receiving and implementing player feedback

“I think when the players feel like they have some ownership, they’re a part of the process, I think it’s excellent. Hopefully those guys are out there making plays, and when they have conviction about something, usually they’re going to find a way to make it work.”