Could there be some big changes on defense?
With New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore focusing on the offense, the defensive coordinator is a massive hire. Making life as a head coach as easy as possible is essential for a first-time head coach, and not having to worry about the opposite side of the ball can be a great way to do that. Since Moore’s hire, Brandon Staley has been the favorite for the job due to their past connection, similar to Doug Nussmeier on offense. The team also interviewed Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator Christian Parker and Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator Daronte Jones, but, per Ian Rapoport, Brandon Staley is now the next defensive coordinator of the Saints.
The #Saints are hiring former #Chargers coach Brandon Staley as the defensive coordinator for coach Kellen Moore, per The Insiders.
Staley was an assistant this year with the #49ers, and before LAC, he burst onto the scene as a #Rams DC. Now, lands in NO. pic.twitter.com/ytNtbTMdzm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 21, 2025
In 2023, Brandon Staley was hired to be the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. This was after being the defensive coordinator of the Super Bowl-winning Los Angeles Rams, who had one of the best defenses in the league. With the Chargers, Staley hired Kellen Moore to be the offensive coordinator, and that is where the connection comes from. Staley failed with the Chargers, potentially similar to what happened with Dennis Allen and the Saints. Instead of becoming a defensive coordinator a year after, like Allen did, Staley went to the San Francisco 49ers to become their assistant head coach on defense. Now, Staley is ready to return to a defensive coordinator role, and New Orleans will be his next destination.