Just a day after the Philadelphia Eagles celebrated their second Super Bowl victory, the team faces the prospect of losing one of its key coordinators. Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is reportedly the frontrunner to take over as head coach for the New Orleans Saints. Speculation about Moore’s potential hiring had already begun circulating prior to the Eagles’ impressive 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kellen Moore’s coaching journey
Kellen Moore’s coaching career has seen significant growth since his retirement from playing in 2018. He began as the quarterbacks coach for the Dallas Cowboys and quickly climbed the ranks to offensive coordinator in 2019. Under his guidance, the Cowboys showcased a potent offense, but after the 2022-23 season, he moved on to the Los Angeles Chargers. Unfortunately, his time with the Chargers was short-lived as the team struggled with a 5-12 record, leading to Moore’s dismissal when a new regime took over.
However, the Eagles recognized Moore’s talent and hired him before the 2024 season. His impact was immediate, as he helped the Eagles develop the league’s best rushing offense, featuring star running back Saquon Barkley. Moore’s innovative strategies also played a crucial role in quarterback Jalen Hurts earning Super Bowl MVP honors, throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns while adding 72 rushing yards and another score against the Chiefs.
Did Kellen Moore play against Derek Carr in college?
The potential dynamic between Moore and Carr is intriguing, especially considering their history on the college gridiron. Back in 2011, Moore was a senior quarterback for Boise State while Carr was a redshirt sophomore starting for Fresno State. Their matchup was one for the ages, as Moore’s Broncos dominated the game, winning 57-7.
At halftime, Boise State led an astounding 37-0, showcasing their offensive prowess while stifling Fresno State’s attempts to gain momentum. Carr struggled throughout the game, throwing two interceptions, one of which came in the second half before he was benched. Moore, on the other hand, had a stellar performance, completing 23 of 31 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns. The only points for Fresno State came from a punt return for a touchdown, a stark contrast to the offensive fireworks displayed by Moore’s team.
Saints QB depth chart
As Moore potentially steps into the head coaching role with the Saints, he will find himself working with quarterback Derek Carr, who had a challenging season last year. Carr played in just 10 games, battling through a hand injury and a concussion. The Saints struggled, finishing with a disappointing 5-12 record, and had to rotate between backup quarterbacks Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler.
The Saints’ quarterback depth chart currently looks like this:
|
Rank |
Player |
|
|
Derek Carr |
|
|
Spencer Rattler |
|
|
Jake Haener |
|
|
Ben DiNucci* |
*Reserve/future roster
Boise State-Fresno State rivalry history
The rivalry between Boise State and Fresno State runs deep, dating back to the 1970s. Although Fresno State initially won the first three matchups in 1977, 1984, and 1996, Boise State has dominated in recent years, winning 13 of the last 15 meetings from 2001 to 2014.
One of the most memorable encounters occurred in 2001 when Boise State, newly joined to the Western Athletic Conference, faced a then-No. 8 Fresno State team. The Broncos pulled off a stunning upset, winning 35-30 and derailing the Bulldogs’ hopes for a BCS bowl bid. Since 2014, the series has been evenly split at 3-3, with both teams meeting four times in the Mountain West title game. Currently, Boise State holds a 17-9 advantage in the all-time series, but Fresno State has won the last two encounters.
Adding a quirky twist to this rivalry, these teams compete annually for a can of milk, a unique trophy that symbolizes their fierce competition on the field.
Looking ahead
If Kellen Moore officially becomes the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, he will bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to a team eager to rebound from a disappointing season. His history with Derek Carr, albeit from their college days, adds an exciting layer to their potential collaboration. Will Moore be able to transform the Saints into a playoff contender? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the upcoming NFL season is shaping up to be one filled with anticipation and drama.
As the dust settles from the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory, all eyes will be on Moore as he embarks on this new chapter of his coaching career. The NFL is known for its surprises, and this season promises to deliver plenty of thrilling moments.
