Saints Dismiss Run-Game Coordinator T.J. Paganetti

The New Orleans Saints dismissed run-game coordinator T.J. Paganetti during their bye week, ending his tenure with the team as it looks to address a struggling rushing attack. Head coach Kellen Moore confirmed Paganetti’s departure to reporters on Monday, November 2. The Saints entered the bye averaging about 86 rushing yards per game and ranked 28th in the NFL in the reports covering their first seven games. New Orleans finished 28th in rushing yards per game in 2025, averaging 94.3. The team’s problems were especially apparent in a Week 7 loss to Pittsburgh. New Orleans ran for 18 yards on 17 attempts, while the Steelers recorded 148 yards on 30 carries. The Saints had also produced a season-high 175 rushing yards in a Week 6 win over the New York Giants, illustrating the variation in their output. Moore said the offensive staff would take a collaborative approach to duties previously handled by Paganetti. Accounts differ on the precise arrangement: Moore was reported as saying offensive line coach Brendan Nugent would lead the run game, while another report described Nugent as one of several coaches sharing the work and said no immediate replacement would hold Paganetti’s...