By Ross Jackson
It’s early, but after having been inside the New Orleans Saints facility a handful of times now, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the decision to hire Kellen Moore as the team’s next head coach is paying off.
From fan outreach to generating excitement across the roster, the momentum of the Saints feels like it is headed in a positive direction.
Does that mean the team will make the playoffs in 2025? That remains unlikely, but a playoff appearance or even a winning record should be requisite for the team to experience growth and improvement this year.
From players expressing that they feel the team is now headed “in the right direction” to the roster and staff banding together for community events, the vibes are simply different on Airline Drive this offseason.
Even the team’s schedule release video showed a lighter side of the process than some are accustomed to seeing.
Moore’s Staff Making Waves As Well
Moore has also assembled a staff that are putting together player-friendly approaches.
Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is working to put players in the best position to take advantage of their skill set, much like Moore is on defense.
Special teams coordinator Phil Galiano never lets the unit feel like the “third” phase of the game, opening doors for players to make the roster and demanding high-level production along the way.
Run game coordinator T.J. Paganetti’s common-sense approach and innovative mind have players excited to run the football.
Defensive passing game coordinator Terry Joseph is helping to further develop players’ strengths while simultaneously helping them strengthen new talents.
Moore and his staff have built an environment that has successfully highlighted the positives while weeding out the negatives.
Fans Set To Get First Glimpse Soon
The Saints will advance to mandatory minicamp starting Tuesday, which will be open to fans if weather permits. It will be their first chance to see the new staff in action. Though it will be an early look, the energy and excitement should jump off the field just the same it did as OTAs roll along.
Ultimately, the success or failure of Moore and the team’s decision to hire him will come down to winning or losing games over the next few years. This shouldn’t be a one-year process for New Orleans. However, some positive changes are already hard to miss.
