Kellen Moore’s Saints offensive coordinator may be a former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback.
As the 2025 NFL offseason heats up, the New Orleans Saints are making waves with their bold moves, and the NFL community is buzzing about potential shifts in coaching roles. One of the most intriguing developments involves the possibility of Kellen Moore, the new Saints offensive coordinator, potentially adding a former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback to his staff as an assistant coach. This potential move is one that has raised eyebrows across the league, considering the distinct impact such an addition could have on both the Saints and the Tennessee Volunteers football programs.
The prospect of bringing in a former Tennessee quarterback into the fold of Moore’s offense is compelling for many reasons. The Saints, who are looking to rebound after a somewhat inconsistent 2024 season, are hoping that Moore’s innovative mind will help unlock the full potential of their offense. Adding a quarterback with deep SEC experience and a legacy tied to one of the most storied programs in college football could further elevate their offensive system. For Moore, this move would also provide a unique opportunity to work with a quarterback coach who understands the intricacies of running an offense at the highest level.
In this article, we will dive into the potential of this coaching decision, why a former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback could be the right fit under Kellen Moore’s direction, and what this means for the future of both the Saints and the Vols.
Kellen Moore: A Rising Star in the NFL Coaching Ranks
To understand the significance of this potential hiring, it’s important to first take a look at Kellen Moore’s career. After an impressive career as a quarterback at Boise State, Moore transitioned to coaching, where his impact on NFL offenses has been profound. Moore initially made a name for himself with the Dallas Cowboys as their offensive coordinator, where he helped evolve their offense into one of the most efficient and high-powered units in the league. His ability to develop Dak Prescott into one of the league’s top quarterbacks is widely regarded as a major achievement, especially considering Prescott’s evolution under Moore’s guidance.
Moore’s offensive philosophy is rooted in creativity and adaptability, allowing him to get the most out of his quarterbacks. His up-tempo, pass-heavy approach is complemented by a commitment to using a diverse set of offensive schemes to keep defenses off balance. This type of innovative thinking makes Moore an ideal candidate to guide the Saints offense, which has been underwhelming in recent years and is in need of a fresh perspective.
The Saints are entering a new era under Moore’s leadership, hoping to reshape their offensive identity and find consistency at the quarterback position. This brings us to the question: could a former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback become a crucial addition to Moore’s staff?
The Potential for a Former Tennessee Volunteers Quarterback to Join the Saints
The Tennessee Volunteers have long been a program that has produced high-level quarterbacks, with players like Peyton Manning, Tee Martin, and more recently, Josh Dobbs, standing as examples of the program’s ability to develop top-tier quarterbacks. However, there is one quarterback in particular whose connection to Kellen Moore could make him an ideal fit for Moore’s staff with the Saints.
Why a Former Tennessee Quarterback?
A former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback stepping into the role of assistant coach could bring several advantages to the Saints, particularly when working under Kellen Moore. Here are some key reasons why this could be a move that benefits both Moore’s system and the future of the Saints’ offense.
1. Elite Quarterback Development Background
The Saints have been in search of stability at the quarterback position since Drew Brees retired. Over the past few seasons, Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, and others have tried to fill the shoes left behind by Brees, but none have been able to offer the same consistency. While the Saints have an established talent pool, including Derek Carr at the helm in 2025, the addition of a former quarterback with high-level experience could be a critical piece to unlocking the offense’s full potential.
A former Tennessee quarterback, especially one who has been through the rigorous SEC competition and developed under top-tier coaching, could bring a unique perspective to the quarterback room. With the knowledge gained from playing at a highly competitive level, they could offer invaluable insights into the mental aspect of the quarterback position and help develop the Saints’ signal-callers into more efficient, confident players.
2. Experience in a High-Pressure System
Tennessee quarterbacks, especially those playing in the SEC, are no strangers to high-pressure situations. The SEC is regarded as the most competitive conference in college football, with elite defenses, high stakes, and passionate fanbases. The ability to perform under pressure is crucial in the NFL, and someone who has thrived in such an environment would be able to pass on that wisdom to the Saints’ quarterbacks.
In particular, someone who has worked in high-pressure games at Tennessee would bring a certain mental toughness that can help a quarterback like Derek Carr or any young talent on the Saints roster prepare for the big moments on the NFL stage. The transition from college to professional football is a significant one, and having someone with that background can make the process much smoother.
3. Strong Coaching and Leadership Skills
Quarterbacks are often seen as the leaders on the field, and their role in the locker room is just as important as their on-field performance. A former Tennessee quarterback would bring leadership skills honed during their college career, where they were likely called upon to lead their teams in critical moments. Leadership is an essential quality for a coach, especially in a position like quarterback coach or assistant coach, where a significant part of the role involves building rapport and trust with players.
A former Tennessee quarterback, particularly one who has demonstrated leadership both on and off the field, would be a natural fit in helping mold the Saints’ quarterbacks, teaching them how to manage the ups and downs of a professional career and handle the pressure of being the focal point of the offense.
4. Familiarity with Offensive Systems and Scheme Adaptability
The offensive systems in college football, particularly in the SEC, are often a mix of power football and pass-heavy schemes. A former Tennessee quarterback would be accustomed to adapting to various offensive schemes and would understand how to tailor playbooks to suit a quarterback’s strengths. This is a skill that would be invaluable for Moore, who is known for his ability to craft offensive systems that maximize the potential of his quarterbacks.
Kellen Moore’s own coaching style is heavily influenced by his experience as a quarterback, and adding someone with a similar background—specifically one who has operated in an elite college system—would enhance the overall dynamic of the Saints coaching staff. This new assistant could help Moore fine-tune the offensive strategies, ensuring that every decision is made with a clear understanding of what works best for the players at hand.
Who Could This Former Tennessee Quarterback Be?
While the idea of a former Tennessee quarterback joining the Saints as an assistant coach remains speculative, there are a few candidates who stand out as possibilities based on their backgrounds and recent involvement in coaching.
1. Casey Clausen
A standout quarterback for Tennessee in the early 2000s, Casey Clausen could be a potential candidate for a coaching role with the Saints. After his playing career, Clausen went on to have a stint in coaching, and his understanding of high-level offensive systems, particularly in the SEC, would make him an ideal fit for Moore’s staff. Clausen’s leadership abilities, combined with his experience in big games, could be just what the Saints need to develop a quarterback under the bright lights of the NFL.
2. Erik Ainge
Another former Tennessee quarterback with coaching potential is Erik Ainge, who played for the Vols from 2004 to 2007. Ainge, known for his strong arm and calm demeanor under pressure, has had some experience working as a football analyst and could be a great addition to Moore’s staff. His SEC experience, combined with his time in the NFL, would allow him to bring a unique perspective to the Saints’ quarterbacks.
3. Peyton Manning (Long Shot)
While it may seem like a long shot, the prospect of Peyton Manning joining the coaching ranks is always a topic of conversation in football circles. Manning, who has an extensive history with both Tennessee and the NFL, could potentially offer invaluable insights as a mentor to Moore and the Saints’ quarterbacks. Although Manning is unlikely to take on a full-time coaching role, his involvement in the Saints’ quarterback development could have a significant impact.
The Potential for Success
The idea of a former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback joining the New Orleans Saints coaching staff under Kellen Moore is an exciting one that could have lasting implications for the team. Whether it’s Casey Clausen, Erik Ainge, or someone else entirely, bringing in a former Tennessee quarterback with deep knowledge of high-level offensive play and leadership experience could benefit Moore’s system and help the Saints’ quarterbacks reach their full potential.
For Kellen Moore, it’s about surrounding himself with a coaching staff that shares his vision and can complement his offensive philosophies. Adding a former Tennessee quarterback would not only bolster the Saints’ quarterback room but also signal a commitment to developing their players into long-term, high-level contributors.
As the Saints look to establish themselves as a top contender in the NFC, this potential coaching move could prove to be a game-changer. With the right leadership, mentorship, and tactical acumen, the combination of Moore and a former Tennessee quarterback could elevate the Saints’ offense and help them return to Super Bowl
contention in the near future.
