The first year of the Kellen Moore era in New Orleans hasn’t gone according to script. At 4-10 heading into Week 16, the Saints are locked into their second losing season in three years - a far cry from the playoff-contending days fans had grown accustomed to. But while the overall record paints a bleak picture, the recent stretch tells a more nuanced story.
After a brutal 1-8 start, the Saints have quietly turned a corner. They’ve gone 3-2 over their last five games, including back-to-back wins against division rivals Tampa Bay and Carolina.
That’s not just padding the win column - those are victories over the top teams in the NFC South. It’s the kind of late-season surge that suggests this team hasn’t quit on its head coach.
And now, it’s official: Kellen Moore will be back on the sidelines in 2026.
According to reports from NFL insiders, the Saints are committing to Moore beyond this season. Around the league, there’s been a growing respect for the job he’s done under less-than-ideal circumstances.
This wasn’t a roster built to contend in 2025, and the quarterback situation has been a revolving door for much of the year. Still, Moore has managed to squeeze competitive football out of a team that, on paper, looked like it might be headed for the bottom of the standings.
One of the bright spots in this tough campaign? Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.
While the numbers haven’t been eye-popping, Shough has shown flashes - poise in the pocket, a willingness to push the ball downfield, and the kind of competitive edge that coaches love. He’s making a real case to be the guy in 2026, and Moore deserves credit for putting him in positions to grow, even amid the chaos.
The Saints are on track for a top-ten pick in April’s draft, and that could be the turning point. General manager Mickey Loomis has some major decisions ahead - not just at quarterback, but across a roster that needs an infusion of talent. If the front office can deliver, Moore might have the pieces he needs to elevate this team next season.
New Orleans will close out the year with games against the Jets, Titans, and Falcons. While the playoffs are out of reach, these final three matchups still matter. They’re a chance for Moore to continue building momentum, for young players to gain valuable reps, and for the Saints to end a tough season on a competitive note.
It’s been a rocky road in Year 1 under Kellen Moore, but the foundation might be stronger than it looks. The wins haven’t come easily - or often - but the fight has. And in a season where little has gone right, that’s something worth building on.