By Ross Jackson
METAIRIE, La. — On Thursday afternoon, Kellen Moore was introduced as the 19th head coach of the New Orleans Saints via his introductory press conference. During which, the team’s owner, Gayle Benson, and general manager, Mickey Loomis, shared remarks before Moore took the podium. Moore’s wife Julie and two of his four children were all in attendance, seated in the front row to celebrate what will be a memorable day for the first-time head coach and his family.
Here are some of the key takeaways from Moore’s introductory press conference, including a pair of strong statements from Benson. We’ll lead off with the biggest story circulating the team now, the future at quarterback.
No commitment made to Derek Carr as the starting quarterback.
With numerous questions lingering around the quarterback situation in New Orleans, Moore’s comments when asked about the passer were positive in nature. However, while they were positive compliments about Carr’s play, but lacked a firm commitment to him as a starting quarterback over several questions on the topic.
“Derek’s a tremendous quarterback in this league,” Moore said. “I’ve had so much respect for him and the journey that he’s been on the starter in this league, premier player in this league. He’s had a great journey, obviously, going from Fresno State to the (Las Vegas) Raiders and out here. Really excited to team up with him and go through this process. And so just like any player on this roster, I just got here a few days ago and I decided to go through this journey with all of them.”
Moore was asked about Carr again at a later point.
“I view Derek Carr as a tremendous starting quarterback in this league,” Moore said. “We’re fortunate to have him, and we’re excited to go through this process. As we build this roster together again, to come meet these guys for the first time the last few days. We’re excited to meet more of them.”
When LouisianaSports.Net asked about what the “process” exactly was that he’s excited to go through with Carr and other players, no further commitment was given.
“I think first and foremost is just to get to meet these guys,” he said. “Get to know them as people, and as we build this thing.”
Not the strongest commitment to the veteran quarterback, that’s for sure. It’s clear though that Moore has a lot of respect for Carr and what he’s done in the league. With the head coach having just been put in place, it isn’t likely that Moore has even had much time to talk to many players on the roster. With that, it was always unlikely a public statement on the future of the position was going to be made before that conversation was had with the players impacted.
For now, the quarterback watch continues.
Saints owner Gayle Benson wants to win
Last year, Benson was tied to the decision to fire former coach Dennis Allen mid-season after a tumultuous seven-game losing streak tanked an otherwise promising start to the 2024 NFL season. Benson reportedly led the charge in an attempt to get the team back to its winning ways and to recapture an increasingly frustrated fanbase.
On Thursday, Benson made it apparent that her desire to re-establish a winning culture will lead to boundless support for Moore and his vision.
“Kellen, you have my full commitment to do whatever it takes to deliver another Lombardi trophy to our city,” she said during her statement. It was a firm, direct and public promise to Moore without hesitation.
“Our fan base is the most passionate and loyal in the NFL, and they are deserving of our full commitment.”
While there was no commitment to Carr, a clear one was made to another star.
Moore not only praised running back Alvin Kamara, but made a bit more of a commitment to him.
“Obviously one of the premier players in our league,” he said. “His ability to play in the pass game and the run game, all the different versatile roles that he can play … And so that’s been a really important piece. It’ll continue to be a really important piece and we’re really fortunate to have him.”
Moore knows what qualities he wants his team to embody.
There was no hesitation from Moore on what he expects from his team.
“It’s going to be a smart, fast and physical football team,” Moore said. “And I know that our style, that Who Dat Nation will be proud of.”
Moore seems to get it when it comes to the relationship between the Saint and their fanbase.
On several occasions, Moore said some of the right things when it comes to introducing himself to the Saints’ fanbase and city of New Orleans.
When giving his opening statement, he acknowledged the city’s impact and the homefield advantage the team wants to recapture.
“We have a tremendous advantage in the NFL because of the phenomenal fan base that we have,” Moore said. “Because of the home field advantage that the Caesar Superdome provides. And I can attest to the daunting challenge that when you come into the Superdome as a visiting team, the challenges that you’re going to have. Can’t wait to get started. Who Dat Nation, appreciate you. Can’t wait to go. Here we go.”
When asked about the food in the city, he didn’t make the same mistake that Carr made at his introductory presser in shouting out a national chain.
“We are so excited to embrace the food side of this wonderful community. Certainly, we had a couple king cakes already,” he answered.
And when it came to addressing the connection between the Saints and the city, he said all the right things with a genuine response.
“It’s very quickly evident,” he said of the importance of the team to New Orleans. “It’s a tremendous city. The hospitality and the environment that they provided for the Super Bowl is really special. You quickly saw what makes this place an amazing city. And as we’ve gone through this process, it’s kind of more and more evident we truly can’t wait for this to be our home.”
