The New Orleans Saints have decided to hire Kellen Moore as their new offensive coordinator, and while this is big news for the Saints, it could also be great news for the Denver Broncos. The move signals potential shifts in the coaching landscape that may benefit Denver, both directly and indirectly. Here’s how the Saints’ hiring of Moore could be a positive development for the Broncos.
1. Denver Avoids a Possible Competitor for Their OC Position
With Sean Payton looking to potentially bring in a new offensive coordinator, there was speculation that Kellen Moore could have been a candidate. However, by taking the job in New Orleans, Moore is officially off the market, which means Payton and the Broncos can focus on other candidates without the added competition for Moore’s services. Given Moore’s mixed success with the Cowboys and Chargers, there was some uncertainty regarding whether he would have been the right fit in Denver anyway.
2. The Saints’ Offensive Gamble Could Work in Denver’s Favor
Kellen Moore is known for his creativity as a play-caller, but his tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023 left a lot to be desired. The Chargers’ offense, despite having Justin Herbert, failed to meet expectations, and injuries played a role in that. If Moore struggles with the Saints, it could weaken one of Denver’s potential NFC competitors, particularly if the Saints continue to have offensive inconsistencies under his leadership.
The Saints have been in search of offensive stability since Drew Brees’ retirement, and they hope Moore can rejuvenate their attack with Derek Carr at quarterback. However, if Moore struggles again, it could keep the Saints from becoming a legitimate contender, indirectly benefiting teams like the Broncos by keeping another NFC squad from emerging as a true powerhouse.
3. The Broncos Can Now Secure a More Compatible Coordinator
With Moore out of the picture, the Broncos can focus on hiring a coordinator who better aligns with Sean Payton’s offensive philosophy. Payton has always preferred a structured offensive system with a mix of creative play-calling and situational awareness. Instead of adjusting his scheme to fit Moore’s tendencies, he can now find a candidate who seamlessly integrates with his vision.
Potential candidates include Zac Robinson (Rams quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator) and Kliff Kingsbury, both of whom have experience with modern offensive concepts and could bring fresh ideas to Denver’s system. Whoever Payton chooses, the Broncos now have more clarity in their search.
4. Saints’ Decision Might Influence the AFC West Landscape
Another interesting angle to consider is how Moore’s move to the Saints impacts the Chargers. He was let go after just one season, and with new head coach Jim Harbaugh taking over, the Chargers will likely undergo a complete offensive overhaul. If the Saints’ offense struggles with Moore while the Chargers thrive with their new approach, it could raise questions about Moore’s long-term effectiveness as an offensive mind.
For the Broncos, this could be significant. If the Chargers improve without Moore, it may indicate that his offensive philosophy wasn’t maximizing talent in Los Angeles. In contrast, if the Saints regress under Moore, it could validate that moving on from him was the right decision for the Chargers. Either way, the Broncos will get a clearer picture of their AFC West rivals and how they need to adjust accordingly.
5. Potential Quarterback Implications
One of the biggest ongoing questions for the Broncos is their quarterback situation. Russell Wilson’s future remains uncertain, and Denver could be in the market for a new quarterback either through the draft or free agency. Kellen Moore’s move to the Saints means he will be working with Derek Carr, who is under contract but hasn’t consistently played at a high level since leaving the Raiders.
If Moore struggles to elevate Carr, the Saints may find themselves in the same quarterback purgatory that the Broncos have experienced in recent years. Conversely, if Moore gets Carr back to his best, it could create a ripple effect across the league, influencing how teams—including the Broncos—approach their quarterback decision-making.
6. Denver’s Path to the Playoffs Could Become More Manageable
While the Saints play in the NFC, their overall success or failure under Moore could indirectly impact the Broncos’ postseason aspirations. If New Orleans falters, it could lead to a domino effect in terms of available coaches, free agents, and even potential trades. For instance, if the Saints struggle, they may consider a more significant rebuild, which could lead to players becoming available that the Broncos might want to target.
Additionally, if the Saints fail to improve offensively, it could reinforce the notion that teams need more than just a bright offensive mind to turn things around. The Broncos, with Sean Payton at the helm, have a proven leader who understands how to build an offense rather than just call plays. If Moore’s approach in New Orleans fails to deliver, it could further highlight Payton’s long-term value to the Broncos.
Conclusion: A Win for Denver?
While Kellen Moore’s hiring by the Saints doesn’t directly impact the Broncos, the ripple effects could work in Denver’s favor. It eliminates a potential OC candidate whom Payton may not have wanted anyway, keeps the Saints in a state of offensive uncertainty, and allows Denver to secure a better-suited coordinator. Additionally, it provides more clarity on how teams like the Chargers and Saints adjust offensively, which could shape the Broncos’ future strategic decisions.
In a league where coaching hires can make or break a team’s success, the Saints rolling the dice on Kellen Moore could end up being a quiet win for the Broncos. If Moore struggles, it weakens an NFC team while giving Denver more freedom to find the right coordinator for their offense. If he succeeds, it still won’t have a direct negative impact on Denver, as the Saints are in the NFC.
Either way, Sean Payton and the Broncos now have a clearer path forward as they look to build an offense that can compete in the loaded AFC. Now, all eyes turn to who Denver will hire as their offensive coordinator and how their roster shapes up in the coming months.