The New Orleans Saints head coach, Kellen Moore, has expressed appreciation for Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy ahead of their upcoming meeting in Paris. Moore previously worked under McCarthy with the Dallas Cowboys, where he served as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator for three seasons.
Their reunion adds an intriguing personal storyline to the Saints and Steelers’ upcoming matchup. While both coaches now lead different teams, their previous working relationship remains an important part of their coaching journeys. And Moore would gladly reference that ahead of the game in France.
Kellen Moore Reflects on Mike McCarthy’s Influence
Among other things, Moore credited McCarthy with supporting his development as a younger coach. Those comments reflect the influence experienced coaches can have on assistants who eventually pursue leadership positions of their own. While speaking about facing his former colleague, Moore expressed gratitude for the guidance he received during their time together in the Cowboys.
“Mike was awesome for me being a younger coach. It’ll be great to see him and great to see a number of the guys over there on that staff.”
"Mike was awesome for me being a younger coach."#Saints HC Kellen Moore on facing Steelers HC Mike McCarthy. Moore served as McCarthy's offensive coordinator for three seasons in Dallas.
"It'll be great to see him and great to see a number of the guys over there on that… pic.twitter.com/vULN3FJhi1
— NOF (@nofnetwork) October 19, 2026
Moore’s comments highlight the professional connection they developed during their time with the Cowboys. Working alongside McCarthy gave Moore experience in an established coaching environment before he moved into head coaching.
McCarthy, meanwhile, has begun a new chapter with Pittsburgh after taking over from longtime Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Their upcoming meeting offers an opportunity for the two coaches to reconnect while competing on opposite sidelines.
The matchup also features several other connections between the coaching staffs. Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier and quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien previously worked with McCarthy in the Cowboys. Their shared experience adds another layer of familiarity to the contest.
However, the game will extend beyond those personal connections. The Saints and Steelers are preparing for a historic occasion, as the NFL plans to stage its first regular-season game in France at Stade de France on October 25. The event will bring American football to a new audience while placing both teams in an unfamiliar setting. The Saints have also been preparing for the international trip, with their football operations and security staff coordinating with the league and local partners.
Recent protests and unrest across France raised questions about preparations for the game. Nevertheless, the NFL has maintained that the event will proceed as scheduled, with preparations continuing in coordination with local authorities.
For Moore, the trip will combine a significant international fixture with a reunion involving a coach who helped shape his career. His remarks suggest that he values the relationship beyond their current positions as opposing head coaches. The Saints will still need to focus on their performance when they face the Steelers. Yet the meeting carries an additional personal dimension for Moore, who will get to reconnect with McCarthy while attempting to lead the Saints to victory.
Related reading:
Romeo Doubs’ Early Exit Played a Role in A.J. Brown’s Heavy Workload, Mike Vrabel Hints
Former Cowboys Starting Quarterback Released – Breaking News
Ravens OC Declan Doyle’s wild Josh Cuevas wrinkle exposed a bigger problem
The post Saints HC Kellen Moore Opens Up About His Relationship With Steelers HC Mike McCarthy appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.