The Saints have made a coaching change.
New Orleans parted ways with run game coordinator T.J. Paganetti coming off their bye week, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday.
The news comes following one of the team’s worst rushing performances in franchise history in Week 7 against the Steelers in Paris. The Saints ran for a mere 18 rushing yards on 17 attempts in the 16-10 loss, marking their worst rushing performance since an 11-yard rushing game in 1999. Following the loss, Moore said the team would evaluate whether there was a need for a staff change during the bye week.
Paganetti’s dismissal marks the first major firing since head coach Kellen Moore joined the team prior to the 2025 season. Despite a 6-11 finish last season, the staff was largely kept the same after New Orleans won four of their last five games.
Paganetti joined Moore’s initial staff last season after the two spent several seasons together in Philadelphia. Paganetti served as the Eagles’ assistant offensive line coach under Jeff Stoutland, helping build one of the top offensive lines in the league. Paganetti won Super Bowl LII and LIX with the Eagles.
The Saints now rank 28th in the league in rushing yards per game this season, the same spot they were in last season. Travis Etienne was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring issue on October 1st, and Alvin Kamara has been starting in his place.
New Orleans is currently at the bottom of the NFC South with a 2-5 record in a division that remains winnable. Owner Gayle Benson has already called the team’s performance “unacceptable” and declared that on-the-field play must restore the faith of the fans.
