Much of the focus is on the New Orleans Saints’ players, which absolutely makes sense, but the coaching staff also should be discussed. Their influence can sometimes be overlooked, but ultimately, this group are those people who keep everything together and lead the team to success. So, let’s look at where Kellen Moore and the coordinators are currently going headed into training camp.
Kellen Moore
Starting with the head coach, this is a big year for Kellen Moore.
It was definitely not perfect in 2025. While Spencer
Rattler was at QB, Moore really struggled with the offensive playcalling, couldn’t trust Rattler, and his situational decision-making was rough at times. The good news was that these were all issues for a first-time head coach and as long as they improved over the season, all was well. For Moore, it wasn’t perfect, but he did just that, improved.
Once Tyler Shough was in at QB, it was clear the trust Moore had in him, and the playcalling improved substantially, but the decision-making during situational moments was still a bit questionable. Moore overcame so much in his first year with the Saints, so hopefully that issue can be fixed; otherwise, the Saints will be losing close games.
Brandon Staley
Probably the MVP of the coaching staff, Brandon Staley had an excellent first year in New Orleans. The defense was definitely not a perfect group on paper, and at times during the season, they showed that, but Staley had this defense playing at a high level. They were the strength of the team in 2025.
What’s going to be interesting for 2026 is if Staley can do that again. After losing some players in free agency but signing others, the team is at a very similar spot to where they were last season. With the investments the Saints made on offense, that side of the ball is probably going to be the strength of the team, but Staley could do some magic and elevate this defense even more. That may cause him to leave for an head coaching job sooner rather than later.
Doug Nussmeier
This section will be a bit quicker because Doug Nussmeier, the offensive coordinator, and Kellen Moore are in the same boat. Both are focused on offense, and Nussmeier needs to help Moore perform better in key moments. They are a team inside of this team. The one difference would be that I can’t wait to see Nussmeier helping Shough develop even more. When we look at what Shough has done this season, praise will be given to this offensive staff, built to develop QBs.
Phil Galiano
Last, but certainly not least, is Phil Galiano. Special teams was a bit of a mess last season, and most of the blame ended up getting thrown at Galiano because of some of the decision-making, such as not moving on from Blake Grupe faster and cutting Rico Payton before the season, which was questionable. But it’s also important to understand that the entire special teams unit was an issue. The personnel was just not good enough, and that won’t be an issue in 2026. Out of everyone, it does feel like Galiano is the one on the hot seat, because if issues like last season happen again (with a much better group), it may be over.
