NFL News: Brandon Staley, Saints Reportedly Agree to Contract as Kellen Moore's DC

New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore's staff is rounding into form, with Brandon Staley set to be hired as defensive coordinator.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Staley has agreed to a deal with the Saints to run their defense next season.

The move had been expected since Moore was hired as head coach on Feb. 11.

Rapoport reported earlier this week that Staley was interviewing with the Saints. Staley joins a staff that includes Doug Nussmeier as offensive coordinator.

Moore and Nussmeier worked together with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. Moore was the offensive coordinator, with Nussmeier serving as quarterbacks coach.

Staley and Moore previously worked together during the 2023 season with the Los Angeles Chargers. Staley was the head coach and Moore was offensive coordinator.

The Saints will mark Staley's return to the position of defensive coordinator for the first time since 2020. He spent three seasons as Chargers head coach from 2021 to '23 before being fired after a Week 15 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. He joined Kyle Shanahan's staff as an assistant head coach with the San Francisco 49ers last season.

Staley's only past experience as a defensive coordinator in the NFL was with the Los Angeles Rams in 2020. The unit ranked first in the league in points and yards allowed, helping the Rams make the playoffs as a wild-card team.

The Saints will be hoping Staley can have a similar impact for them. Their defense finished 19th in points allowed and 30th in yards allowed last season. It was the first time since 2016 they ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in points allowed.

New Orleans has missed the playoffs in each of the past four years. It's the longest streak without a postseason appearance for the franchise since a five-year stretch from 2001 to 2005.