Grading Every 2025 NFL Coaching Hire: Saints Pull Off a Coup with Kellen Moore, Cowboys Settle for Schottenheimer

The NFL’s 2025 coaching carousel has come to a close, with multiple teams making key hires that could shape their franchises for years to come. Some teams landed top-tier coaching prospects, while others made head-scratching decisions. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest hires and how they grade out.

New Orleans Saints: Kellen Moore – Grade: A-

The Saints made a bold move by hiring former Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, and it looks like a coup. Moore, 36, played a pivotal role in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl-winning offense, helping to develop an explosive attack.

New Orleans has struggled to find a consistent offensive identity since Drew Brees’ retirement, and Moore’s hiring signals a shift toward a modern, quarterback-friendly system. His ability to maximize talent, especially at the QB position, makes him one of the most intriguing hires of the offseason. If Moore can elevate the Saints’ offense while maintaining defensive stability, this could be a home-run hire.

Dallas Cowboys: Brian Schottenheimer – Grade: C-

The Cowboys took a conservative approach by promoting offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to head coach after parting ways with Mike McCarthy. While Schottenheimer has extensive experience as a coordinator (Jets, Rams, Seahawks, Cowboys), his track record has been inconsistent, with mixed results leading offenses.

Instead of pursuing a fresh voice, Dallas opted for familiarity—something that doesn’t always translate into success. While Schottenheimer understands the Cowboys’ system, questions remain about whether he can elevate the team beyond what McCarthy achieved. This hire feels more like playing it safe than a move that pushes the franchise forward.

Other Notable Coaching Hires and Grades:

• Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson – Grade: A
  The Bears landed one of the top offensive coordinators on the market in Ben Johnson, formerly of the Detroit Lions. Known for his creative play-calling and ability to maximize quarterbacks, Johnson is a perfect fit for a franchise likely to draft a signal-caller with the No. 1 pick.
• Washington Commanders: Mike Macdonald – Grade: B+
  The Commanders took a defensive approach by hiring former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. Though he’s young, his ability to develop elite defenses in Baltimore makes him a strong candidate to rebuild Washington’s struggling unit.
• Seattle Seahawks: Dan Quinn – Grade: B
  Seattle reunites with former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who helped the Seahawks win a Super Bowl a decade ago. While his tenure as Falcons head coach was uneven, his leadership and defensive acumen should provide stability.

Final Takeaways

The Saints came away as one of the biggest winners of the coaching cycle, landing an ascending offensive mind in Kellen Moore. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ decision to promote Schottenheimer feels like a lateral move rather than a true upgrade. As the 2025 season approaches, these hires will be put to the test, with fan bases hoping their teams made the right choice.