Veteran Defender Outages New Head Coach by Just Two Days
New Orleans Saints pass rusher Cameron Jordan has reached a point in his career where he is now older than the team’s new head coach, by a mere two days. Jordan will turn 36 on July 10, while head coach Kellen Moore will celebrate his 36th birthday on July 12.
Respect for Moore’s Career and Coaching Vision
Having a younger coach hasn’t altered Jordan’s mindset or approach to the game. If anything, it’s allowed the veteran to follow Moore’s journey from player to coach more closely than with previous older leaders.
Jordan recalled a memorable moment from Moore’s playing days when he watched Boise State defeat Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. “I remember watching the Statue of Liberty play at Boise State back in the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona where I was at,” Jordan told The Jim Rome Show.
“He’s become an offensive coordinator at multiple places. He’s worked his way through the ranks, and now he’s a head coach. He’s coming with a plan, a clear direct plan. A directive, as well as a cabinet of coaches that I think have had a myriad versions of success. When you have a strong coaching staff, I think it puts you in a position to excel.”
Entering his 15th NFL season, Jordan is now working with his third full-time head coach. The transition from Sean Payton to Dennis Allen came with minimal disruption, as Allen attempted to maintain continuity from the Payton era. In contrast, Moore’s hiring represents a more definitive change in direction for the organization.
Focus on Message Over Age or Experience
Jordan emphasized that a coach’s age or time in the league isn’t what matters most. For him, it’s all about leadership and clarity.
“Anytime you have a head coach – young, old, indifferent – you gotta be able to buy into the message,” he said. “The message is clear: Let’s have fun. Let’s clean up all our missions. That’s knowing your technique, knowing your abilities and knowing where you’re going to be. Knowing where your teammates are. I think the message has been loud and clear.”
Early Optimism as New Era Begins in New Orleans
Initial feedback from within the Saints’ locker room during the early stages of Moore’s tenure has been largely positive. An expected reaction when a new coach takes over.
However, the true test will come as the regular season approaches and even more so if the team faces adversity. How Moore handles pressure and setbacks will ultimately reveal whether he’s fully prepared to lead at the NFL level.
