Saints rumor from Ian Rapoport gives definite answer on Kellen Moore's future

The opening season of the Kellen Moore era for the New Orleans Saints didn't go very well, as the team is 4-10 heading into Week 16 and will finish with a losing record for the second time in three years.

Though New Orleans has struggled this year under Moore and even held a 1-8 record at one point, the Saints have been playing better in recent weeks. New Orleans is 3-2 in their last five games and are coming off back-to-back wins versus the top teams in the NFC South, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 14 and the Carolina Panthers in Week 15.

With the Saints showing promise to the end of the season, Moore's future with the franchise after 2025 has been officially confirmed.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Saturday that Moore will be back as New Orleans' head coach in 2026. The insiders also added that Moore's work this season with an uninspiring roster has impressed many around the league.

"This was never going to be a championship season in New Orleans, and Moore's work has impressed people around the league. He'll be back in 2026 with a roster that will continue to evolve as he builds the program," Rapoport and Pelissero wrote.

Moore hasn't been given a favorable situation in 2025, as the Saints' quarterback situation has been a mess for most of the season, and the roster is below average. However, the former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator has brought out the best in his players, especially rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, who has shown flashes and is making a case to be the team's starter in 2026.

New Orleans is set to have a top-ten pick in April's draft, and if general manager Mickey Loomis can bolster the roster this offseason, Moore will have a much better chance for success moving forward.

The Saints will wrap up the 2025 campaign versus the New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and Atlanta Falcons. The final three games will be another chance for Moore and the squad to finish the season on a high note and carry some momentum into next year.