Kellen Moore Uses Tush Push in Saints Offense Despite Having Once Voted to Ban It

September 9, 2025

Kellen Moore began his first season as head coach of the New Orleans Saints riding the high of a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. But instead of leaving the Eagles’ infamous “Tush Push” behind, he has brought the play to his new home in New Orleans.

During the second quarter of Sunday’s matchup, the Saints faced a 3rd-and-1. Moore dialed up the Tush Push — the same short-yardage weapon that helped Philadelphia succeed on over 90% of those situations last season. This time, however, it unraveled quickly. Offensive lineman Dillon Radunz was flagged for lining up offside, wiping away what would have been a first down.

The twist is hard to miss: Moore himself was among the 22 coaches and executives who voted in the offseason to ban the Tush Push, calling it unsafe and bad for the league’s image. The proposal ultimately failed, falling just two votes shy of being approved. Now, the very coach who once opposed it is trying to replicate it.

For the Eagles, the play worked so effectively thanks to Jalen Hurts’ power and one of the NFL’s top offensive lines. The Saints, meanwhile, are learning the hard way that copying the formula isn’t so simple. Despite the penalty, New Orleans seemed committed to practicing and eventually perfecting the play.

The reaction was swift. Eagles fans quickly mocked Moore: “He left Philly, left Hurts, but couldn’t leave the Tush Push. Without us, that play is nothing.” Saints supporters were more divided. Some applauded Moore’s willingness to test one of the league’s toughest plays: “Better to fail early than never try. He’ll figure it out.” Others, however, blasted him for hypocrisy: “You voted to ban it and then used it yourself? That’s embarrassing.”

Media outlets also weighed in. ESPN called it “an ironic twist” in Moore’s debut, while CBS analysts suggested the Saints’ offensive line needs refinement before trying to turn the Tush Push into a real weapon.

👉 The takeaway is clear: Moore may have once stood against the play, but when it comes to grinding out tough yards, he’s willing to rely on the very tactic he once wanted erased from the game