Kellen Moore. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

New Saints HC Kellen Moore, QB Derek Carr have fascinating history

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Feb 11, 2025 5:18 PM ET

The New Orleans Saints announced Tuesday the team has hired Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore as their new head coach.

The 36-year-old is set to become the youngest at his position but Los Angeles Rams boss Sean McVay still holds the all-time record when he was hired in 2017 at 30.

Moore's age is interesting for another reason. His assumed starting quarterback, Derek Carr, is just three years younger (33). Only McVay (39) and QB Matthew Stafford (37) have a tighter age difference.

Believe it or not, Moore and Carr have more history than some fans realize. The two actually faced one another during their college careers.

Moore led the then-No. 5-ranked Boise State Broncos over Carr's Fresno State Bulldogs 57-7 during the 2011 season.

In his final season in Boise, Idaho, Moore went 23-for-31, 254 passing yards, three touchdowns and no picks during that game. Carr on the other hand, went 17-for-30, 126 passing yards, no scores and a pick.

Moore and the Broncos finished second in the Mountain West Conference that year, capping off his final college campaign with a win over Arizona State in the Maaco Las Vegas Bowl.

Since his playing days, Moore has found growing success building impressive offensive schemes for the Dallas Cowboys and the Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Saints fans will be hoping he can inject some of his electric play calling into what has become a stagnant offense, led by Carr, down in the big easy.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

More must-reads: