As the New Orleans Saints debut Kellen Moore's brand new coaching staff -- or at least close to it -- they're embracing change and the questions that come with it.
That's particularly true on the defensive side of the ball, where new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is expected to bring in a 3-4 hybrid scheme and a major departure from the Saints defenses we've grown accustomed to seeing. But he wasn't willing to commit to that on Monday during an event for more than two dozen coaches to speak with assembled media.
"We’ve got a core group that’s gonna be coming back," Staley said, when asked if he was committed to a 3-4 or 4-3 base scheme, "but until that group is out there on the field in the springtime I don’t think we’re truly gonna know."
That group won't include cornerback Paulson Adebo, who signed with the Giants early in free agency, but it will include defensive tackle and Louisiana native Davon Godchaux, whom the Saints acquired by trade from the Patriots earlier Monday morning. Godchaux's specialty is as a nose tackle, something necessary in 3-4 schemes that tips some of that schematic hand.
Still, even if there's more decided than Staley is willing to let on, he made it clear that everything will be week to week. Moreso than anything else, Staley's defenses are rooted in one core principle: Versatility. How the defense plays one week won't always match what it does the next. It'll all depend on matchups.
"We’re gonna try and be flexible enough to be able to defend all the different types of offenses that you have to play against, and we want to be specific in the matchup," Staley said. "We want to make sure that we go into every game with a plan to win, but a lot of what we’re gonna do is centered on who this group of guys is we’re gonna be coaching.”
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It was a point that Moore made sure to reference repeatedly as he spoke to why he chose Staley to lead his defense. It's worth noting that Staley was Moore's boss with the Chargers in 2023, but they've stressed that the working relationship has been so strong that there's no awkwardness in the role reversal. Staley's tenure with the Chargers was a struggle, but he landed that job after leading the Rams to a top-ranked defense as the defensive coordinator on Sean McVay's staff in 2020.
"Brandon has been in these shoes ... so his experience, his exposure, I think his ability to play multiple styles will benefit us, our ability to adjust week in and week out,” Moore said.
There will be plenty of familiarity to mine as well, as Moore builds a new culture in New Orleans. He's brought back Joel Thomas as both running backs coach and associated head coach, as well as OL coach Brendan Nugent, whom he worked with on the Chargers. Coaches will also rely on veterans to lead the charge, a valued role that might overshadow questions about age or scheme fit.
On offense that group will include QB Derek Carr and RB Alvin Kamara. On defense that group will include DE Cam Jordan, safety Tyrann Mathieu and LB Demario Davis.
"They’re the ones that are planting the flag for you," Staley said. "They’re gonna be out in front and all of these guys that have watched in one way or another, they’re gonna set the example for this team and what a pro should look like."