New Orleans Saints Fire Run Game Coordinator T.J. Paganetti

Paganetti dismissed during bye week

The New Orleans Saints have made a change to their coaching staff by firing run game coordinator T.J. Paganetti. The decision came while the team was on its bye week, following a very weak performance on the ground.

New Orleans suffered a 16-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris. During that game, the Saints managed only 18 rushing yards on 17 attempts. It was the team's worst performance on the ground since an 11-yard rushing game in 1999.

Rushing problems and wider team issues

The poor running game in Paris was not an isolated problem. New Orleans currently sits in last place in the NFC South with a 2-5 record.

Along with their struggles to run the ball, the Saints have had trouble on defense and special teams. They have allowed at least 100 net rushing yards in every game this season except one. The team has also experienced issues with their kicking game.

Kellen Moore makes first major coaching change

Head coach Kellen Moore used the bye week to review the team's operation. Moore said it was a self scout week and explained that they needed to evaluate everything to get more consistent.

Moore mentioned kicker Daniel Carlson during his evaluation, noting that Carlson has made a lot of kicks for the team despite a few misses.

Regarding the running attack, Moore explained that Paganetti and offensive line coach Brendan Nugent handled much of the pre-game prep work alongside him. Moore noted that he prefers a collaborative group structure, something he has used since his time in Dallas, L.A. and Philadelphia.

This decision marks the first major coaching change Moore has made since he was hired before last season. The Saints kept most of their staff intact after finishing 6-11 in 2025. That season saw the team start 1-8 before winning four of their last five games after switching to quarterback Tyler Shough.