Saints Announce Drastic Minicamp Decision After Kellen Moore Mimics Bill Belichick

NOLA is vibing these days. Not just because of Mardi Gras. It’s about Kellen Moore. The Saints’ new head coach hasn’t coached a regular-season snap yet, but his presence is already changing the building. Just ask veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu, who’s been around long enough to know what “real” feels like. “Change is good, sometimes,” Mathieu said. “When he was in Dallas, it was one of the highest-scoring offenses. Then he went to Philly and they went back to the Super Bowl.”

However, Mathieu kept praising. “He played the quarterback position, so he knows ball,” he added. “That’s a good perspective to have, because it is an offensive league.” That last line says a lot. The Saints aren’t just rolling the dice with a bright young coach—they’re giving the keys to someone who’s already engineered explosive systems and knows how to connect with modern players. Even in early May, it’s clear Moore isn’t just here to fit in. He’s here to reshape the blueprint.

And part of that blueprint? It’s looking mighty familiar to anyone who’s followed Bill Belichick over the years. This week, Moore canceled the Saints’ final minicamp practice and instead surprised the players with a team outing. It wasn’t a one-off. He’s already orchestrated paintball sessions and community events during OTAs. Sound familiar? In 2022, Belichick famously called off the Patriots’ final practices as a reward for what he deemed “a strong offseason.” The message: hard work earns trust. Moore’s just delivering it with a 2025 twist.

Sure, team bonding and surprise outings might seem like fluff. But don’t be fooled. This is culture-setting stuff. When a coach makes players feel seen—and also keeps them accountable—that balance is rare. By pulling from Belichick’s playbook, Moore’s building more than just good vibes. He’s building buy-in. And for a Saints team that’s been stuck in neutral since the Brees-Payton era, that’s no small shift.

Also, think about the timing. Most first-year coaches are installing schemes and grinding out reps deep into June. Moore? He’s already confident enough in what they’ve done that he’s giving players time to breathe. That’s not bravado—it’s a reflection of how much structure and clarity he’s brought already. And the players are noticing.

So, yes—it’s still only June. The pads aren’t popping yet. But between the trust-building, the Belichick-style calendar tweaks, and the player buy-in, Kellen Moore’s Saints already feel different. Not louder. Not flashier. Just… sharper. And maybe that’s exactly what New Orleans needed.

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