How Kellen Moore’s player-first approach is earning buy-in

By Ross Jackson

Many pundits assumed that New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore would struggle to earn player buy-in and respect because of his calm demeanor. Never the yeller (unless you’re an NFL official, at least), never the one to raise his voice or throw fits at players. Moore is proving that winning with authenticity and collaboration is just as effective as what the depictions of NFL head coaches in popular culture may have taught the masses.

Moore’s level-headed approach has stood out through the trials and tribulations of the 2025 NFL season. A 1-8 start, changes at quarterback and several injuries to key players on both sides of the ball all gave the coach and his players a chance to pack things up for the 2025 season and look ahead to next year.

Instead, his coaching staff and the roster have now turned things around even without a postseason life to fight to preserve. They’ve done it instead with the intent of building momentum for their promising future. The approach has caught the eyes of veterans and young players alike.

“I don’t know if that’s accurate,” defensive tackle Jonah Williams said when asked about the critical perception of Moore’s personality early in his tenure. “But I know there’s different types of leadership. I know, from my standpoint, I’ve just appreciated the level-headedness. He’s not one to be yelling and going nuts on the sideline, but he’s also not one to be crazy in the good times. He’s just level. And I think as a team, you need someone like that to get you through the hard times, and also when really good, to also stay level and focus on what you’ve got to get better at.”

Moore credits his upbringing for the level-headed nature he’s demonstrated. He aims to take moments high and low in stride and hopes for his players to embrace the same process. So far, they’re buying in.

“There’s highs and lows in everything,” the rookie head coach said. “I think it’s really important for these guys to find some consistency as we go through these NFL seasons and hopefully I can lead them by example in that fashion.”

One of the ways he has ensured that is by making players a part of the success on the field because of how they conduct themselves and contribute off of it.

Moore organized several offseason activities for players as bonding opportunities. From golf and bowling to community revitalization efforts and travel arrangements. These endeavors opened the door for chemistry-building and bonding among the roster. 

But the Super Bowl-winning offensive playcaller has taken things an extra step. He has been incorporating the insight of players into his game plans, allowing them to share in the success of the recent win-streak as not just executors of the system, but architects of it, as well. 

“He’s definitely a players’ coach,” rookie offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. said. “If you have an idea or if you feel like we run things better this way or you give him an idea, he’s going to take it in. He’s going to listen and if he likes it, he’ll put it in. He’s just one of those guys. He understands his players, he understands what we’re capable of and he knows what we bring to the table.”

The collaborative approach is something that Moore has pushed from day one to his players. And while he may not yell and scream like a head coach in a coming of age drama, he’s found more modern and balanced ways to earn the respect and effort of his players. He’s now done so on his way to outpacing last year’s win record, developing the future at quarterback and paving the way for optimism and momentum for the team’s competitive future.

Moore has led with authenticity and collaboration and at the end of that path, he’s cultivated a bright future for the Saints in their new era.