The New Orleans Saints officially announced on March 3, 2026, that Will Clapp, recently retired offensive lineman and former Saints player, has joined the coaching staff as an offensive assistant. This move marks a swift transition for Clapp from player to coach, as he steps into a role that leverages his recent playing experience to support Head Coach Kellen Moore's offensive system.
Clapp spent the majority of his eight-year NFL career playing for the Saints after being selected in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of LSU. Over six seasons in New Orleans, he appeared in 73 games and made 17 starts primarily as a versatile interior lineman, shifting between guard and center positions. Clapp returned to the Saints for the 2025 NFL season but suffered a preseason foot injury that sidelined him for the entire year. After deciding to retire from playing this offseason, Clapp now embarks on his coaching journey with the team that drafted him.
Kellen Moore, entering his second year as Saints head coach, views Clapp's hiring as a valuable addition. Moore's offense combines creative passing strategies with a strong run game emphasis--elements that demand precision and adaptability from the offensive line. Clapp, having recently competed on the field, brings current insights into the linebackers and defensive front techniques young linemen face in the modern game.
"Will's fresh perspective and firsthand knowledge of the current NFL landscape provide an immediate advantage for our players," a team source said. "He understands the daily grind and can effectively communicate the nuances and adjustments needed for success. For our offensive line room, having Will in the coaching ranks is like gaining an extension of the playbook in real time."
In his new capacity as an offensive assistant, Clapp will collaborate closely with Offensive Coordinator Doug Nussmeier and the offensive line coaching staff, supporting film study, practice planning, and individual player development. His experience as a player who blocked alongside notable Saints offensive linemen such as Trevor Penning, Cesar Ruiz, and Ryan Ramczyk creates an instant connection with the current roster, fostering trust and credibility.
This move aligns with a growing league-wide trend of recently retired players moving directly into coaching roles. Within the Saints organization, it also continues a tradition of cultivating coaching talent from former players, creating continuity and maintaining cultural identity. Clapp is among the first post-Drew Brees era players to join the coaching ranks, signaling a commitment to evolving the team's legacy with those who have firsthand experience in its offensive system.
Clapp's coaching transition not only benefits the offensive line but resonates throughout the wider Saints organization. Known throughout his career for his football intelligence, dedication, and technique over raw athleticism, Clapp embodies the qualities the team aims to instill in young players. His journey--from a late-round draft pick at LSU to seasoned NFL veteran and now coach--provides a relatable blueprint for perseverance and growth.
A Louisiana native and LSU alumnus, Clapp's return to the Saints coaching staff completes a full circle in his football career. Aside from his 2025 setback with injury, his entire playing and now coaching life has remained deeply connected to the state and community that shaped him.
As the Saints prepare for their 2026 offseason programs, the coaching staff continues to take clear shape under Moore's leadership. Hiring Will Clapp as an offensive assistant is a strategic, low-profile addition with the potential to profoundly impact player development, offensive line cohesion, and overall team success. It symbolizes a bridge between the team's recent past and future, reinforcing continuity and deepening the intimate knowledge base available to the players.
The Saints are not merely adding a new voice to the sideline--they are welcoming back one of their own to help write the next chapter of their football story.