Saints coach has known LSU quarterback 'since he was six years old'
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New Orleans Saints running backs coach Joel Thomas recently joined Off The Bench with Matt Flynn and Jacob Hester for a brief interview during Senior Bowl week. Serving as the head coach of the Senior Bowl's American Team, Thomas has had a unique opportunity to evaluate this year’s draft class up close while working hands-on with many of the top prospects.
That role has also given him the chance to coach a familiar face — one with direct ties to the Saints’ coaching staff. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, the son of Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, spent the week working alongside his father’s staff at the Senior Bowl. The experience provided valuable exposure for the young quarterback while also giving Saints coaches an extended look at his development.
When asked what it has been like coaching the younger Nussmeier, Thomas spoke openly about their long-standing relationship and personal connection to the Nussmeier family: “This process is quarterback-driven, and fortunately I’ve known one of these quarterbacks since he was six years old. His father and I were teammates together at Washington.”
That familiarity has allowed Thomas to understand Nussmeier not only as a player, but as a person as well. Having watched him grow up around the game, Thomas expressed confidence in the quarterback's ability to perform throughout the week’s practices leading up to the Senior Bowl. With the Senior Bowl serving as a critical evaluation period ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, Nussmeier’s ties to the Saints organization make his situation particularly intriguing. Viewed as a potential mid-to-late round selection, Nussmeier could realistically be in play for New Orleans during the draft.
While Tyler Shough has solidified himself as the projected starter heading into next season, the NFL has shown time and again how unpredictable quarterback development can be. Rookie success does not always guarantee long-term results — something every franchise must consider. In that light, adding a quarterback like Nussmeier as a backup with developmental upside could prove valuable.
Already familiar with the coaching staff and closely connected with the region, Nussmeier would likely be a seamless fit for New Orleans if selected by the team in late April.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints coach Joel Thomas on relationship with LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier
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