SEASON ENDS AS HEAD COACH KELLEN MOORE BIDS FAREWELL TO THE SAINTS
When the final whistle blew at Hard Rock Stadium, the New Orleans Saints walked away with a heartbreaking 21-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season. But the bigger shock came off the field as the Saints fired head coach Kellen Moore just hours after the game.
A Loss That Marked the End
The game started disastrously for New Orleans. The Saints trailed 16-0 by halftime, with the offense completely stalled. Miami opened the scoring with a brilliant 29-yard rushing touchdown by De’Von Achane, then added three field goals including one just before the break.
In the third quarter, the Saints finally showed signs of life. Quarterback Tyler Shough threw a touchdown and ran in the 2-point conversion himself to close the gap to 16-8. Miami quickly responded with a 33-yard field goal to extend the lead to 19-8. Saints kicker Blake Grupe nailed a booming 56-yard field goal to make it 19-11.
Drama Until the Final Seconds
The fourth quarter was pure drama. With just 1:17 left on the clock, Shough connected with Devaughn Vele for another touchdown, cutting the lead to 19-17. New Orleans went for the game-tying 2-point conversion, but Shough’s pass was intercepted by Minkah Fitzpatrick, who returned it the length of the field for a defensive 2-point conversion, putting Miami up 21-17.
Still, the Saints weren’t done. They pulled off a perfect onside kick and recovered the ball, a golden opportunity for a game-winning drive. But they couldn’t finish the comeback. The loss, 21-17, sealed more than just the scoreboard.
Gayle Benson’s Patience Runs Out
Just hours after the game, Gayle Benson, the Saints’ team owner and president, announced the immediate dismissal of head coach Kellen Moore.
"We need a new direction. With all due respect, Kellen Moore has not met the expectations required to lead this team."
No further comments were made, but sources within the organization confirmed that the decision had been brewing after a string of disappointing performances and the loss to the Dolphins was simply the breaking point.
Defeat, heartbreak, and a swift exit. The Saints’ season didn’t just end with a close loss. It ended with the departure of a head coach once believed to be the spark for a franchise revival.












