Staley gaining momentum for Saints DC opening

By Ross Jackson

An unsurprising name continues to arise as a defensive coordinator for New Orleans Saints presumptive head coach Kellen Moore.

The Athletic’s Michael Silver was the latest to share Brandon Staley’s name as a possible hire. We’ve also mused on the addition here in LouisianaSports.Net.

“Staley may have struggled as a head coach with the Chargers, but when he was the defensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams, he put together a fantastic year. The Rams defense in 2020 under Staley ranked No. 1 in both scoring and total yards allowed. The team finished No. 1 against the pass and No. 3 against the run.”

Before winning a Super Bowl championship with the Philadelphia Eagles, Moore was the offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. During which time, he was hired by and coached with former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. 

Moore was made available to join the Eagles coaching staff after Staley was fired after three unsuccessful seasons with the Chargers. That turned out to work out great for Moore who not only won a championship with Philadelphia this weekend, but is expected to become the Saints new head coach in the coming days.

Once that does become official, some expect Staley’s name to be a popular one to watch as Moore’s defensive coordinator. Staley hired Moore in Los Angeles and now Moore could return the favor in the Big Easy.

This is the kind of hire that would make a ton of sense. Pairing Moore’s offense with an attacking and productive defense is a must. The two coaches know one another having worked together before and it’s clear that Staley was much more productive and successful as a defensive coordinator than a head coach.

We’ll see what direction Moore goes once the deal is made official.