Saints Locker Room Erupts: Loomis and Ownership Override Kellen Moore, Commit to Derek Carr Against Coach’s Wishes
The New Orleans Saints are facing an internal crisis of epic proportions as their leadership team’s decision to keep Derek Carr has sparked a major fallout, leaving the locker room and coaching staff in disarray. The Saints’ executive hierarchy, led by General Manager Mickey Loomis and team owner Gayle Benson, has reportedly overruled head coach Kellen Moore’s wishes, leading to a massive power struggle within the organization.
At the heart of this controversy is the ongoing saga surrounding Derek Carr, the team’s veteran quarterback. Despite Moore’s desire to move in a new direction at quarterback, Loomis and Benson have decided to back Carr for another season, a decision that is believed to have ignited a serious divide within the franchise.
The Decision that Shook the Saints
For months, Kellen Moore, the former offensive coordinator turned head coach of the Saints, has been vocal about his preference for a quarterback who better fits his offensive system. Moore, known for his aggressive play-calling and innovative approach to the passing game, reportedly had his sights set on making a change at the quarterback position. He had been eyeing a potential move for a younger, more dynamic QB to execute his high-powered offense. However, that plan was completely upended when Mickey Loomis and the ownership group decided to stick with Derek Carr.
Carr, who was brought in by the Saints in 2023 as the team’s supposed long-term solution at quarterback, has faced heavy criticism for his inconsistent play and inability to lead the team deep into the postseason. His struggles have been particularly evident in high-pressure situations, with some analysts suggesting that his style of play clashes with Moore’s desired system. However, ownership and Loomis have remained steadfast in their belief that Carr provides stability to the team, making them reluctant to pull the plug on his tenure in New Orleans.
Sources close to the situation suggest that Kellen Moore felt blindsided by the decision, especially after his efforts to address the team’s future direction. Moore, who had a history of success as the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, reportedly felt that Carr’s limitations were a significant obstacle to the team’s potential. He had privately advocated for a quarterback change, hoping to inject new life into the offense. However, it seems that the Saints front office had a different vision for the team’s future.
The Fallout Within the Locker Room
News of Loomis and Benson’s decision to stick with Carr has already sent shockwaves throughout the locker room. Multiple anonymous sources have reported that several players, particularly those on the offensive side of the ball, are frustrated with the decision. There are growing concerns that Carr’s lack of development under Moore’s system may lead to a continued downward spiral for the team.
One source inside the Saints’ locker room described the atmosphere as “tense,” noting that the coaching staff, players, and management are now at odds. Several veterans have privately expressed their doubts about Carr’s ability to lead the team, particularly with the rise of younger quarterbacks in the NFC South. These tensions are only expected to escalate as the team prepares for the 2025 season.
On the other hand, Loomis and Benson remain confident in their decision, arguing that Carr provides the leadership and experience necessary to keep the team competitive. Both have reportedly reiterated their commitment to the veteran quarterback in closed-door meetings, emphasizing the stability Carr brings to an otherwise uncertain quarterback position.
The Future of Kellen Moore
With the Saints now mired in a crisis of leadership, the future of Kellen Moore has come into question. As head coach, Moore’s authority has been challenged, and some insiders believe that his relationship with the front office could be irreparably damaged. The fact that his vision for the team has been ignored in favor of a decision that contradicts his wishes raises serious questions about his long-term viability as the head coach of the Saints.
Some analysts have suggested that Moore may seek a way out of New Orleans if the situation does not improve. His ambitions to build a dynamic offense may be stifled if the front office continues to dictate personnel decisions, leaving him in an untenable position. The internal strife between Moore, the players, and management could ultimately lead to a breakdown of the coaching staff’s cohesion.
A Team at a Crossroads
The Saints are now at a crossroads, caught in the midst of a power struggle between ownership, management, and the coaching staff. As tensions rise and the locker room splits, the future of the franchise remains uncertain. Whether the Saints can overcome these internal conflicts and turn their attention back to football is still unclear.
The decision to commit to Derek Carr against Kellen Moore’s wishes may have long-lasting consequences, not only for the team’s on-field performance but also for the overall morale of the organization. If the Saints cannot resolve these internal issues, their quest for a return to playoff contention may be in jeopardy. Only time will tell if the power players in New Orleans can patch up this fractured team or if this internal crisis will derail their ambitions for the future.