“Let’s run this sh-t again, Kellen.” That’s what Nick Sirianni told Kellen Moore fresh off the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX win. But Moore? He was already three steps ahead, scribbling down new plays for his next gig. Running it back in Philly wasn’t in the cards. Instead, he crossed off the Eagles from his checklist with a Lombardi in hand and set his sights on a new challenge: New Orleans.

Or, as Terry Bradshaw said, the franchise most influenced by voodoo.

Bradshaw wasn’t wrong—New Orleans has seen its fair share of strange football luck. From Bountygate to last-second heartbreaks, the Saints have lived on the NFL’s rollercoaster. And in true NOLA fashion, their latest storyline involves a little “football magic.” Bradshaw was talking gibberish when he said that players, including Derek Carr, might’ve taken a sip of some voodoo potion in hopes of turning things around. Whether that potion works remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Moore isn’t questioning his QB.

“Derek’s a tremendous quarterback in this league. He’s a starter in this league. He’s a premier player in this league. Really excited to team up with him and go through this process,” Moore said. Translation? Carr’s not going anywhere.

And if you know Moore, you know he’s got a knack for getting the best out of his QBs. Just ask Dak Prescott or Justin Herbert. The Saints are betting that Moore’s system can unlock something in Carr that’s been missing in New Orleans. Because, boy, he hasn’t lived up to the contract.

Carr played just 10 games last season, and the Saints limped to a 5-12 finish. His numbers? Respectable—101.0 passer rating, 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns, five picks. But $51 million for that? That’s a tough pill to swallow. The Saints are drowning in cap issues, sitting a league-worst $54.1 million over the cap. Cutting Carr after June 1 would save them $40 million, but they wouldn’t see that relief until after the March deadline. It’s a financial headache either way.

But Moore isn’t looking at spreadsheets—he’s looking at film. And he sees a four-time Pro Bowler with untapped potential. If anyone can get Carr back on track, it’s a coach who knows how to scheme QBs into success. The Saints are banking on that. And maybe that’s why Nick didn’t wanna lose him. But c’est la vie.

There’s no love lost between Kellen Moore and Nick Sirianni

When asked about Nick Sirianni’s ‘last plea’ during his Saints’ introductory presser, Kellen Moore couldn’t help but laugh. “Was there a space in there?” he joked, acknowledging the, let’s say, colorful phrasing. But let’s be clear—Moore appreciated the sentiment. He had nothing but praise for Sirianni, calling him a “tremendous leader” and saying he was “forever thankful” for the opportunity in Philly. But when a head coaching gig comes knocking, you answer.

Meanwhile, Moore’s decision wasn’t about leaving the Eagles—it was about stepping into something bigger. “An opportunity to be a head coach is really special in this league,” he said. The Saints’ offer? Too good to pass up. Sure, Sirianni wanted him back. But he also understood the significance of this chance. Moore saw something in New Orleans, something that made him choose a fresh challenge over the comfort of another Super Bowl run.

And let’s not forget—Moore wasn’t just in the Eagles’ Super Bowl game plan. He helped write it. Out of all, one clip will live rent-free in every fan’s mind. It was late in Super Bowl LIX. The Birds were already flying over the Chiefs like real predators. Then came the moment. A mic’d-up Sirianni turned to Moore: “If we score, it’s over. Just call it.”

But what followed? A 46-yard strike from Jalen Hurts to DeVonta Smith, a dagger straight to the heart of Kansas City. The play that sealed the deal. The one that made Philly champions again as euphoria spread across the stadium. But that was it! Just like that, curtains… Moore’s time in Philly was over. No drawn-out goodbyes. No second thoughts. Just a Lombardi in one hand and a Saints playbook in the other.

He left the Eagles exactly how you’d expect—on top.

So, Sirianni got his ring, and Moore got his team. No bad blood. Just two coaches who respect the hell out of each other—but now find themselves on different sidelines. However, if they meet in another Super Bowl? Let’s just say, there won’t be any need for pleasantries.