After recording 18 rushing yards on 17 carries against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New Orleans Saints entered the bye week searching for answers to their struggling run game. On Nov. 2, the Saints announced the firing of run game coordinator T.J. Paganetti and tasked offensive line coach Brendan Nugent with leading the run game.
Nugent already played a significant role in preparing the rushing attack. What does Paganetti’s firing fix for the Saints going forward?
From Super Bowl Champ To Unemployed
From 2023 to 2024 in Philadelphia, Paganetti was the run game specialist. In 2024, the Eagles ranked second in rushing with 3,048 yards. Philadelphia went on to win Super Bowl LIX and averaged 204.5 rushing yards across their four playoff games.
After winning the Super Bowl with Moore, the Saints hired him as their run game coordinator. In 2025, New Orleans finished 28th in rushing yards per game and 31st in yards per carry.
In his seven games as coordinator in 2026, the Saints remained 28th in rushing yards per game and ranked 30th in yards per carry, with their average dropping from 3.7 to 3.5.
After the firing, Paganetti’s brother Ryan claimed in a now-deleted X post that Paganetti’s role was more of a support role rather than installing and implementing run techniques.
Kellen Moore‘s explanation for the firing was, “I just felt like coming out of the bye week, we needed to make adjustments (in) workflow.”
Moore also confirmed that offensive line coach Brendan Nugent would lead the weekly run structure, while running backs coach Joel Thomas continued contributing to situational planning.
However, Nugent was already responsible for some of the team’s run-game installations, which Moore said would remain unchanged.
With Nugent taking on more responsibility, it’s important to look at how he’s done as an offensive line coach.
A History of Rushing Troubles
Brendan Nugent has served as offensive line coach for the Saints and the Chargers. His units have struggled to rank among the NFL’s best according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
In his first season leading the line in 2021, the Saints finished 18th in PFF’s rankings. In his first season with the Chargers in 2022, Los Angeles ranked 30th in rushing yards per game and yards per carry, averaging 89.6 rushing yards per game and 3.8 yards per attempt.
In 2023, the Chargers improved to 25th, averaging 96.6 yards per game. Their yards per attempt, however, remained the same at 3.8.
That season also marked the first time Nugent worked under Kellen Moore, then Los Angeles’ offensive coordinator.
Although Nugent’s offensive line struggles in the running game, it has shown promise in pass protection. In 2022, the offensive line finished sixth in sack percentage allowed at 5.49% despite injuries along the line.
Nugent’s previous rushing results raise questions about whether his expanded responsibilities in New Orleans will produce a different outcome.
Was the Problem or Personnel Addressed?
While the Saints made a coaching change, responsibility for their rushing struggles doesn’t fall on one person. Following Paganetti’s firing, Saints center Erik McCoy took responsibility for the communication issues with the offensive line, stating, “I don’t think I can pin it on (Paganetti), or on a specific person.”
Guard David Edwards echoed McCoy’s statement, acknowledging that the team’s performance contributed to the coaching change. Edwards also emphasized the importance of having execution and communication in establishing the run game.
Moore also acknowledged that the struggles extend beyond coaching responsibilities, pointing to schematic issues that need improvement. “That starts with me and just getting this thing where we need it to go,” said Moore.
While changing coaching structure could improve preparation and communication, the Saints still have to address their execution and blocking problems. Paganetti’s dismissal does not guarantee said improvements.
With Moore and Nugent retaining significant roles in the rushing attack, the Saints’ success will depend on whether New Orleans can execute consistently.
Will The Changes Be Enough?
On Nov. 3, the Saints claimed running back Audric Estime off waivers from Cleveland. Estime previously played for the Saints in 2025 and recorded 198 rushing yards while averaging 4.3 yards per carry.
Estime’s return gives New Orleans another option in the backfield. However, neither his return nor Paganetti’s dismissal automatically solves the Saints’ rushing problems.
With Moore still responsible for the offense and Nugent leading the run game, both must find ways to improve blocking and execution.
For the firing to prove successful, New Orleans must improve its rushing efficiency, blocking and communication. Sustained production over multiple games will determine whether the coaching change truly made a difference.
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