By Ross Jackson
While there are changes ongoing to the New Orleans Saints’ roster and offensive and defensive schemes, another big shift taking place is happening with the team’s culture.
Head coach Kellen Moore has made some key changes that players and staff have all positively responded to.
If I’m honest, I had early concerns around the team’s head coach hire. There was a prevailing possibility and belief that no matter who filled the role, not much change would be on the way. The Saints as an organization found a recipe for success during the Sean Payton and Drew Brees era, a recipe they could have forced upon anyone that was hired for the position.
However, Moore hasn’t done a lot of holding over old habits and approaches and has instead carved his own path as a leader.
From team outings to extracurricular conversations with players, he has found a way to create an early symbiosis where players and fellow coaches are all a part of the building process.
After a few years of aimless paths and uncertain identities, the Saints’ culture looks to finally be headed in the right direction, even though the outlook for 2025 may not provide the highest of expectations.
From the first OTA that was open to the media, the vibes on Airline Drive feel the best they have felt in years.
Sure, that’s an easy thing to achieve when there aren’t yet wins and losses to navigate. But the building of the culture has to start now. And what Moore and the Saints are setting up as their foundation is being recognized as the right way to go.
