As the NFL season unfolds and coaching vacancies begin to surface, the conversation around potential head coach candidates intensifies. Some names immediately come to mind, like long-established coordinators, former head coaches, and rising stars from within the ranks of successful teams. One name that has been gaining more attention is **Kellen Moore**, the current offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers. His innovative offensive mind and leadership have already garnered praise across the league, and now, New Orleans Saints wide receiver **Chris Olave** is adding his voice to the growing chorus of support, calling Moore a potential candidate for an NFL head coaching job.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at why Olave believes Moore could be a great head coach, explore Moore’s career to date, and discuss how his style could fit with the future of NFL coaching.
### Chris Olave’s Perspective on Kellen Moore
Chris Olave, who had an impressive rookie season with the Saints in 2022, has quickly become one of the league’s most promising young wide receivers. After playing for **Ryan Day** at Ohio State, Olave’s sharp route-running and deep-threat ability made an immediate impact in New Orleans, forming an exciting duo with quarterback **Derek Carr** in his second season. Olave has shown maturity and leadership on the field, and as he develops further, his opinion on NFL coaching carries weight.
Recently, Olave was asked about potential head coaching candidates who might take over the reins of a team in the future. His response, particularly regarding Kellen Moore, stood out as one of the most thoughtful and articulate endorsements of Moore’s coaching prowess.
“I think Kellen Moore has a lot of potential to be a head coach,” Olave said in a recent interview. “You can see what he’s done with the Chargers’ offense, and his ability to adapt to different quarterbacks and offensive schemes is impressive. He knows how to get the best out of his players and make adjustments as the game goes on. I think that’s a quality you need in a head coach—someone who can lead but also make smart decisions in critical moments.”
Olave’s praise of Moore is based on both his own experiences and the impressive impact Moore has had on the offenses he’s coached throughout his career. As the Saints’ emerging star receiver, Olave clearly understands the value of having a head coach who can harness the potential of his players and provide a winning culture. In Moore, Olave sees someone who brings that type of leadership and vision to the table.
### Kellen Moore’s Career Journey
Kellen Moore’s rise through the coaching ranks has been relatively quick, but it’s not without merit. Moore’s coaching journey began after his playing career, which was cut short due to a lack of elite athletic traits but highlighted by his sharp football IQ. A former quarterback, Moore was a standout at **Boise State**, where he set numerous school and NCAA records. His transition from player to coach began after a brief stint with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent quarterback.
After retiring from playing, Moore immediately shifted into coaching, landing a position with the **Dallas Cowboys** in 2018 as their quarterbacks coach. He was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2019, and during his tenure with the Cowboys, Moore was credited with revolutionizing the team’s offense, helping Dallas become one of the most potent and efficient offenses in the league. Moore’s ability to craft game plans that maximized the talents of players like **Dak Prescott**, **Ezekiel Elliott**, and **Amari Cooper** set him apart as a rising star in the coaching world.
His offensive approach was modern and dynamic, focusing on using multiple formations, spreading the field, and emphasizing a balanced attack that kept defenses guessing. Under Moore’s guidance, the Cowboys consistently ranked among the top offenses in the NFL, with a high-scoring, up-tempo style that kept opposing defenses on their heels. The Cowboys made the playoffs multiple times under his stewardship, although they never quite reached the ultimate goal of a Super Bowl victory.
In 2022, after a mixed season that saw the Cowboys fall short of expectations in the postseason, Moore moved on to become the offensive coordinator for the **Los Angeles Chargers**, a position that allowed him to work with one of the most talented young quarterbacks in the league, **Justin Herbert**. Early returns with the Chargers have been positive, with Moore continuing to showcase his ability to design explosive offenses while navigating the challenges of working with a new quarterback and different team dynamics.
Through all his experiences in Dallas and Los Angeles, Moore’s offensive philosophy has remained consistent—he’s adaptable, innovative, and committed to building a system that caters to his players’ strengths. As Olave pointed out, Moore’s ability to work with different quarterbacks and his willingness to adjust his approach depending on the talent available makes him an appealing choice for a head coaching position.
### The Qualities That Make Kellen Moore a Strong Head Coaching Candidate
There are several key qualities that make Kellen Moore an attractive candidate for an NFL head coaching position, as highlighted by both his track record and Olave’s endorsement:
#### 1. **Innovative Offensive Mind**
Moore’s greatest strength is undoubtedly his offensive ingenuity. His ability to adapt his game plan to fit the personnel he has at his disposal is one of the key reasons why his offenses have been so successful. Whether it’s with **Dak Prescott** in Dallas or **Justin Herbert** in Los Angeles, Moore has shown that he can build an offense around his quarterback’s strengths, create mismatches, and put points on the board. His creative use of motion, route design, and pre-snap movement are hallmarks of his coaching style, and this adaptability is a key trait for a head coach.
#### 2. **Leadership and Player Development**
Another area where Moore excels is his ability to connect with and develop his players. While offensive schemes are important, building relationships with players and motivating them is crucial for success as a head coach. Moore has demonstrated a knack for developing quarterbacks, turning Prescott into one of the league’s most reliable starters and helping Herbert take the next step in his development. He’s not just focused on play-calling; he’s also focused on the holistic development of his players.
Chris Olave’s support of Moore speaks to his ability to get the best out of his players. It’s no secret that Olave values coaching that prioritizes player growth, and Moore has already shown he can foster that kind of environment.
#### 3. **Experience in High-Pressure Situations**
Moore’s tenure with the Cowboys saw him navigate the pressure of working in a highly scrutinized market while also dealing with the expectations of a franchise with championship aspirations. Although he didn’t win a Super Bowl with the Cowboys, he gained invaluable experience managing the stress of being a top-tier NFL coordinator. This type of experience would be vital for him as he moves into a head coaching role, where the stakes are even higher.
Working with the Chargers has also given Moore the opportunity to refine his game-management skills, particularly in high-leverage moments. As a head coach, being able to make the right decisions in critical situations will be essential for his success.
#### 4. **Commitment to Balance**
Moore’s offensive schemes emphasize balance, using both the passing game and running game effectively. This commitment to creating diverse game plans keeps opposing defenses on their toes. A balanced offense is also essential for a head coach, who must be able to address multiple facets of the game—offense, defense, special teams—while managing his team’s overall strategy. Moore’s approach to balance will serve him well as a potential head coach, where adaptability and situational awareness are paramount.
### Could Kellen Moore Be the Next Great NFL Head Coach?
The endorsement from Chris Olave adds to the growing buzz around Kellen Moore as a future head coach. His innovative approach, leadership qualities, and experience working with elite quarterbacks make him a strong candidate for teams in need of fresh leadership. With Moore’s reputation growing across the NFL, it seems only a matter of time before he gets his shot at leading a team as the head coach.
If Moore does eventually land a head coaching job, he could take what he’s learned as an offensive coordinator and apply it to leading a team to success. His ability to create dynamic offenses and connect with players could be the perfect combination to build a winning culture. Whether it’s in Los Angeles or elsewhere, Kellen Moore’s future in the NFL is bright, and Chris Olave’s endorsement serves as just one piece of evidence that the league is beginning to take notice of his potential as a head coach.
### Conclusion
Kellen Moore’s rise through the ranks as an offensive coordinator has made him one of the most intriguing coaching candidates in the NFL. Chris Olave’s praise for Moore highlights the growing respect around the league for his coaching acumen and ability to connect with players. As Moore continues to develop as a coach, it seems increasingly likely that he will eventually land an NFL head coaching job. Whether with the Chargers or another team, Moore’s innovative offensive mind and leadership qualities make him a strong candidate for the next generation of NFL head coaches. The future is bright for Kellen Moore, and it could very well include a head coach position sooner rather than later.