Jim Mora Jr. Tenure
The late-eighties bridge era where culture and talent began to align under Jim Mora Jr.
Jim Mora Jr.'s tenure represents a pivotal transitional chapter in New Orleans Saints history, bridging the gap between the Bum Phillips era and the modern rebuild years. Hired by owner Tom Benson after the 1985 season, Mora brought a contemporary coaching philosophy to the Superdome during a period of roster turnover and high expectations.
- Role
- Head Coach
- Win-Loss Record
- 20-27
- Owner
- Tom Benson
- Predecessor
- Bum Phillips
- Key Draft Pick
- Willie Roaf (1987)
Lore & Background
Culturally, this era is significant for the grassroots evolution of Saints fandom. While not officially adopted by management yet, the 'Who Dat' chant began to resonate more loudly in the stands during Mora's games. Fans rallied behind the team despite inconsistent records, laying the emotional groundwork for the fervor that would define the franchise decades later.
In Their Own Story
The humidity hung heavy over the Superdome on a humid November night in 1987. Jim Mora paced the sideline, clipboard gripped tight against his chest, eyes scanning the gridiron where players in gold and black collided with shoulder pads clashing loudly. The crowd roared, a low rumble that vibrated through the concrete floorboards, whispering a new rhythm to the game.
Reader's Guide
Jim Mora Jr. arrived in New Orleans following the departure of Bum Phillips, tasked with revitalizing a franchise seeking consistency under owner Tom Benson. His hiring marked a shift toward modern coaching philosophies during the mid-1980s rebuild. The team showed flashes of promise but struggled to maintain momentum against division rivals. During his first season, Mora focused on installing new offensive schemes while managing veteran leadership. The 1987 draft class provided crucial depth, notably selecting future Hall of Famer Willie Roaf in the first round. This era saw the gradual emergence of the Who Dat chant among fans, signaling a growing cultural identity despite mixed results on the field. His tenure is remembered as a transitional bridge between the defensive-minded Phillips era and the eventual offensive explosion under Mike Ditka years later. The foundation laid during these three seasons included key personnel decisions that impacted the franchise for decades.
Did You Know?
- Willie Roaf, a future Hall of Fame tackle, was drafted by the Saints in 1987 during Mora's tenure.
- The Who Dat chant gained significant traction among fans during this late-eighties transitional period.
- Mora previously served as an assistant coach under Bum Phillips before taking over as head coach.