By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS — The final days of the New Orleans Saints head coach search are here. The presumed hire, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, is constantly credited for being a smart and effective football mind. But the questions around his leadership style and demeanor still linger.
The closest frame of reference to answering those lingering questions are the people with which Moore works. Over the last few weeks, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has been asked about Moore’s potential as a head coach. Beyond discussing what the offensive coordinator can do as a play caller and schemer, he highlights some of Moore’s leadership skills that provide at least some insight into what Moore would be like as a head coach.
Back on Jan. 10, Sirianni was asked about Moore’s potential in leading a team. After briefly complimenting the coordinator’s smarts, he quickly turned his attention to his qualities of leadership.
“I think Kellen is very detailed in everything that he does,” Siranni said. “Very smart. Has played at a very high level. Has done this at a very high level, so can relate to the players and in that aspect. Puts the guys in good positions to succeed. Can lead men, is a good leader of men. As I get to sit here and watch him install the offense, you can see that and you can say ‘Man, he’d be great in front of the team.’ He’s in front of the offense right now, but man he’d be great in front of the entire team, inspiring the team, getting his message across to the team…”
Glowing marks from Moore’s head coach. Certainly this could be Sirianni doing right by his coach by providing such a positive review while being sure to address the question around his ability to pioneer a team. But also, he didn’t have to say anything at all.
“(Kellen Moore is a) great man of character and everything that he stands for,” he continued. “I think he’d be a… I should temper my (language). He’d be a great head coach. I have no doubt in my mind he will be a great head coach.”
Sirianni said it plainly last month, but echoed similar thoughts as Super Bowl week kicked off in New Orleans.
“Kellen is a great leader,” Sirianni said immediately. “Great Communicator. Tireless worker. Great person. He’s got a lot of great qualities about him that he’ll be fantastic. He’s been fantastic as our offensive coordinator and you go from the offensive coordinator leading the entire offense to the entire team, but you’re still in charge of 30 guys there on the offensive side. So it’s a good preview of the type of a head coach he’ll be.”
