The honeymoon period in New Orleans is officially over. After a promising offseason that had fans dreaming of a playoff run, the Saints have stumbled out of the gate with a 1-4 record, and the franchise's owner is not hiding her frustration.
Gayle Benson, the Saints' principal owner, took the unusual step of directly addressing head coach Kellen Moore's job performance during a luncheon on Tuesday. Her remarks, delivered at the Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club Luncheon, were a clear warning shot across the bow of the entire organization.
“As the owner, the responsibility does start with me,” Benson said, via Rod Walker of NOLA.com. “I will not make excuses and I will not accept this level of performance as our standard. I am committed to making the decisions necessary to improving this team. Everyone on this organization understands the urgency. We must prepare better, execute consistently and correct mistakes that are costing us the games.”
Benson didn't single out Moore by name, but her message was unmistakable. She continued, “Kellen Moore and his coaches are responsible for preparing our players to perform. Mickey Loomis and our football staff are responsible for building a roster capable of sustained success. Our players are responsible for their preparation and execution. I am responsible for holding this organization accountable.”
The Saints entered the season with high hopes, bolstered by the arrival of quarterback Tyler Shough, a revamped running game featuring Travis Etienne, and a talented receiving corps led by Chris Olave. But the on-field product has been a disappointment, culminating in a demoralizing loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football.
Now, with a Week 6 matchup against the New York Giants looming, the pressure is at an all-time high. If the Saints fall to 1-5, Benson might decide that a mid-season change is necessary. She has a history of making bold moves, having fired Dennis Allen during the 2024 season.
Moore, who took over the head coaching role after a stint as offensive coordinator, now finds himself in the hot seat. The team's three-game losing streak has eroded confidence, and Saints fans have already turned on Moore, with social media and talk radio buzzing with calls for change.
Some might argue that the team's struggles are not entirely Moore's fault. Injuries and roster issues have played a part, but Benson's comments suggest she expects better. The team's performance on Monday night was particularly alarming, and the ratings for the Falcons-Saints game reflected a lack of national interest in a team that was supposed to be a contender.
With 12 games remaining, there is still time to turn things around. But Moore needs to find a way to get the Saints back on track quickly. A win against the Giants would provide some breathing room, but another loss could seal his fate.
Benson's public statement is a clear signal that she is not satisfied with the status quo. The next few weeks will be critical for Moore and his staff to prove they can right the ship. If they can't, a coaching change might be the next move in a season that is quickly spiraling out of control.
