Saints Hire Dan Prescott’s Old Coach for QBs

Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy looks on during the first half against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Saints are making waves with their latest hiring, injecting a distinct flavor from the Dallas Cowboys into their coaching staff. Enter Scott Tolzien as the newly appointed quarterbacks coach, who is set to play a significant role in the development of the Saints’ offense under new head coach Kellen Moore.

Tolzien, who carved out a niche as a quarterback coach during his time with the Cowboys, is ready to bring his expertise to New Orleans. Having worked closely with Dak Prescott, Tolzien gained valuable insights into navigating the complexities of quarterback play, and his experience in this role positions him as a key asset for Moore as he looks to implement his offensive vision.

At 37, Tolzien’s journey in the coaching realm began during his time as a coaching assistant for the Cowboys from 2020 to 2022, where he developed his craft alongside Moore. His familiarity with the team’s offensive schemes and philosophies should help create continuity as Moore transitions to his role in New Orleans. It’s also worth noting that during Tolzien’s tenure, Moore was honing his skills as the offensive coordinator at the Chargers and Eagles, allowing Tolzien to further build on his coaching abilities.

In a noteworthy twist, Saints fans can also look forward to the presence of another former Cowboy, Doug Nussmeier, who is expected to take on the role of offensive coordinator. This connection to the Cowboys organization adds an intriguing dynamic to the Saints’ coaching staff, as both Tolzien and Nussmeier share ties to a program known for its offensive prowess.

As a player, Tolzien entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin in 2011, and his playing career included stints with the Chargers, 49ers, Packers, and Colts. While he may not have set the league on fire as a quarterback—he appeared in 10 games with four starts and put up a 60.3% completion rate—his time in Green Bay laid the groundwork for his coaching success, particularly under the guidance of former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy.

With this fresh infusion of Dallas influence, the Saints are gearing up for an exciting new chapter, and the combination of Tolzien’s QB expertise and Moore’s innovative approach could herald an era of offensive growth in New Orleans. As we dive deeper into the offseason, all eyes will be on how this coaching tandem adapts to their new environment and develops the Saints’ signal-calling prospects for the future.