Deep Ties Bind Saints and Chargers Ahead of Pivotal Matchup
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The New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers enter their upcoming contest with a surprisingly intricate web of connections spanning coaching lineages, collegiate partnerships, and even shared locker room experiences. These interwoven histories promise to add an extra layer of intrigue to what is already a crucial game for both franchises.
Coaching Crossroads
The most prominent link lies within the coaching staffs. new Orleans Head Coach Kellen Moore and offensive Coordinator Doug Nussmeier both honed their skills under Saints Defensive Coordinator Brandon Staley during his tenure as head coach of the chargers in 2023. This shared past suggests a deep understanding of each other’s tendencies and strategic approaches. Staley himself led the Chargers from 2021-2023, guiding them to a playoff appearance in 2022 – a season that also saw Saints Offensive Line Coach Brendan Nugent and Edges Coach Jay Rodgers contributing to the Los Angeles staff. Rodgers, in particular, spent all three seasons with Staley, developing a strong rapport with key Chargers players.
Collegiate Connections Fuel Rivalry
Beyond the NFL sidelines, numerous players share collegiate roots.Saints guard/center Cesar ruiz and wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones both played for chargers Head Coach jim Harbaugh during his time at Michigan from 2016-2019. Further down the roster, Saints running back Kendre Miller and Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis, a Louisiana native from West Feliciana HS, were teammates at TCU, contributing to the Horned Frogs’ memorable run to the 2022 College Football Playoff Championship game alongside Chargers wideout Quentin Johnson.
New Orleans Quarterbacks Coach Scott Tolzien also has a direct link to a Chargers quarterback, having tutored Trey Lance in Dallas from 2023-2024. Juwan Johnson, Shane Lemieux, tyler Shough, and Justin Herbert all forged a bond as teammates at Oregon, while Davon Godchaux and Jalen Reagor shared a more recent connection as teammates in New England from 2023-2024.
The connections don’t stop there. Several players have crossed paths at various stages of their careers. Saints defensive end Chris rumph II was originally drafted by the Chargers in 2021 and spent three seasons in Los Angeles before joining New Orleans.Linebackers Tyreem Powell and JacQuae Jackson were Rutgers teammates, as were jaylan Ford and Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker at Texas. A critically important group – Ugo Amadi, Dillon Radunz, Teiar Tart, Dez Fitzpatrick, and Hassan Haskins – all wore the same Tennessee Titans uniform. Radunz and Lance also shared the field at North Dakota State, and Ruiz, Peoples-Jones, and Haskins were Michigan teammates in 2019.
Even front office personnel have overlapping histories. Los Angeles Offensive Assistant/Quarterbacks Jonathan Goodwin previously played for the Saints from 2006-2010 and again in 2014. New Orleans Run Game Coordinator T.J. Paganetti and Chargers Senior Defensive Analyst Rick Minter were colleagues on the Philadelphia Eagles staff from 2013-2014.
Familiar Faces on both Sidelines
The coaching connections extend beyond the head coach and coordinators. Jay Rodgers previously tutored Chargers outside linebacker Khalil Mack in both Chicago and Los Angeles, giving him unique insight into Mack’s skillset. Furthermore, New Orleans Wide Receivers Coach Keith Williams, Los Angeles Offensive Line Coach Mike Devlin, and Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman all worked together on the Baltimore Ravens staff.
Several players also share ties to California. Saints wide receiver Chris Olave and safety Terrell Burgess both prepped at schools in the San Marcos area, while wide receiver/return specialist Rashid Shaheed honed his skills at Mt.Carmel High School in San Diego.
These numerous connections, while perhaps unnoticed by casual observers, underscore the interconnected nature of the NFL. As the Saints and chargers prepare to clash, these shared histories will undoubtedly add an intriguing subtext to the competition, reminding players and coaches alike that the lines between rivals are often blurred by a network of shared experiences.
