Kellen Moore’s challenge grows as Saints lose second starter to retirement in 73 days

Kellen Moore’s first NFL head coaching job just got a heckuva lot harder.

The former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator officially accepted the New Orleans Saints' vacancy after Super Bowl LIX, but he’s now managing a surprise retirement from an expected starter for the second time in a span of three months.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared an Instagram post from veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu on Tuesday, in which the 33-year-old announced his retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons, the last three with New Orleans.

“As I hang up my cleats, I’m filled with gratitude as I close this chapter of my life and officially retire from the game that’s shaped me in every way,” Mathieu’s post read, in part.

Mathieu is now the second Saints veteran to retire in 73 days during Moore's abbreviated offseason as head coach. Quarterback Derek Carr announced his retirement on May 10, paving the way for rookie QB Tyler Shough to take over. The Saints selected Shough with the 40th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Saints now have a glaring need at safety, as they also lost 2024 starter Will Harris to the Commanders in free agency. Former fifth-round pick Jordan Howden is the presumptive next man up after logging 550 defensive snaps in a reserve role last season.

New Orleans could also kick the tires on a veteran free agent like Justin Simmons, who remains unsigned and has stated his desire to join a team for the upcoming season.

The Saints went all-in on Moore during this year’s hiring cycle, luring him away from one of the best situations in football with superstar talent like Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown back in Philly.

With a rookie quarterback expected to take the reins, and a first-year head coach running the show and calling the offensive plays, it’s expected to be tough-sledding for Moore and the Saints in 2025. Losing the "Honey Badger" — a Super Bowl champion, three-time All-Pro and former All-American at LSU — on defense certainly won’t help.

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