Deadspin reports Saints fire run-game coordinator after bye week as rushing struggles continue
Saints make coaching change
The Saints dismissed T.J. Paganetti on Monday, multiple reports said. He was in his second season as the team’s run-game coordinator. Paganetti, 37, joined head coach Kellen Moore’s staff in February 2025. Before that, he had two stints with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Rushing numbers remain low
New Orleans is 28th in the NFL this season, averaging 86.0 rushing yards per game. The Saints also finished 28th in 2025, when they averaged 94.3 yards per game. The 2-5 team returns to play Sunday after its bye week, hosting the Cleveland Browns, who are 5-3.
Paganetti’s coaching background
Paganetti held several roles with Philadelphia from 2013-14 and 2017-24, winning two Super Bowls. In 2024, he worked as the Eagles’ run game specialist. That season, Saquon Barkley rushed for 2,005 yards, and Philadelphia won Super Bowl LIX. Paganetti previously served as a graduate assistant and linebackers coach at Oregon, his alma mater, from 2015-16.
Key points
- The Saints fired second-year run-game coordinator T.J. Paganetti on Monday, according to multiple reports.
- New Orleans ranks 28th in rushing yards per game this season, averaging 86.0.
- The 2-5 Saints host the 5-3 Cleveland Browns on Sunday after their bye week.
- Paganetti won two Super Bowls during his time on the Eagles’ staff.