Saints bring back coaches from last year's team, including future Hall of Famer

The New Orleans Saints announced their 2025 coaching staff on Thursday, and while we knew many of the names on it from previous reporting, the team did answer a couple of questions we had about who was coming back. Four key assistants are confirmed to return, and several of them are getting promotions.

First and most obvious: Jahri Evans is returning and will continue to work with the big men up front, but with a new job title. The future Hall of Famer and Super Bowl XLIV champion was previously listed as an offensive assistant. Now he's been named assistant offensive line coach. It's a small distinction, but an important one. It also sets him up to run the offensive line room himself someday if he keeps climbing the ladder.

Next up: Brian Young, the team's longtime pass rush specialist who has now been given the title of assistant defensive line coach. Young earned positive reviews from his players after taking over the defensive line midway through last season, and now he's going to work closely with legendary position coach Bo Davis.

Additionally, assistant linebackers coach Adam Gristick is returning to the team after previously working as a defensive assistant, often splitting time with the linebackers and safeties. He represented the Saints at the Senior Bowl where he coached linebackers on the National Team, so this isn't new to him even if it's technically a new title. He's one of the few hires made by Dennis Allen who has stuck around with the Saints.

Also, senior defensive assistant Peter Giunta is returning in the same role. He's been a part of the organization for ten years and has 34 years of NFL coaching experience. Giunta has played a critical role in scouting and developing defensive backs over the years, helping the Saints identify diamonds in the rough like Rico Payton, Jordan Howden, and J.T. Gray.

A handful of other coaches in less-prominent roles are returning from the 2024 staff: strength and conditioning coaches Charles Byrd and Riley Ireland, plus Mike Martinez, who has worked as an assistant to the head coach for Sean Payton, Dennis Allen, and now Kellen Moore.