Why T.J. Paganetti Is An Underrated Addition To Saints Coaching Staff

Paganetti got his coaching start while still an undergraduate student at Oregon in 2007. From 2007-2008, he was an offensive intern until moving up to work specifically with the quarterbacks from 2009 to 2012.

In 2013, Paganetti was hired by the Philadelphia Eagles to be an analyst for their quarterbacks and offense in general. He was brought in by new Eagles coach Chip Kelly, who he worked under at Oregon. Paganetti served in that role for two seasons before returning to Oregon as a graduate assistant and linebacker coach. 

After two years in his second stint at Oregon, Paganetti returned to the Eagles in 2017. This time under coach Doug Pederson, Paganetti served as an assistant offensive line coach and offensive analyst. He'd remain with Philadelphia until hired by New Orleans, also serving as an assistant running back coach until his role of run game specialist and assistant offensive line coach the last few seasons.

During his coaching career, Paganetti was on the staff of one BCS National Championship runner-up, seven NFL playoff teams, three NFC champions, and two Super Bowl titles. He was thought of highly enough to be retained on Philadelphia's staff through three different head coaches and six different offensive coordinators.

During Paganetti's 10 years with the Eagles, Philadelphia has had five 1,000-yard rushing seasons by four different backs. That includes 2,005 yards from NFL Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley this past season. It was the second time that the Eagles had a back that led the league in rushing during his tenure.

Over those 10 years, Philadelphia finished with a top-10 rushing attack nine times while ranking first, second, or third four times. Additionally, the Eagles have annually been considered an outstanding pass blocking unit. During Paganetti's tenure, the team had a top-10 ranking in total offense six times and in all of the last three years.

Jeff Stoutland has been Philadelphia's offensive line coach since 2013, the same year Paganetti was first brought to the team. Stoutland, along with Kellen Moore, were given the bulk of the credit for the Eagles 14-3 season and impressive romp to a Super Bowl LIX championship. 

In New Orleans, Paganetti won't have a lack of talent to work with. The Saints still have one of the league's most versatile backs in Alvin Kamara, who is coming off a year with 1,493 yards from scrimmage and career-best 950 rushing yards in only 14 games.

The Saints also have a top-tier left tackle in 2024 first-round choice Taliese Fuaga. Additionally, the team also has one of the league's better centers in Erik McCoy and saw a big improvement from 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning at right tackle last season. 

T.J. Paganetti was an underrated but still highly vital part of that staff. Just 35 years old, Paganetti is now out from under Stoutland's shadow and has a chance to expand his already impressive resume' with the New Orleans Saints.