The New Orleans Saints are welcoming back a familiar face to the franchise with the recent announcement of former offensive lineman Will Clapp’s hiring to the coaching staff. Just months after announcing his retirement from professional football, Clapp is returning to the NFL and has been hired as an offensive assistant on the Saints’ coaching roster, thus marking a new chapter in his football journey.
When Clapp walks back into the Saints’ building, it will be with a headset on instead of a helmet. Here’s what to know about the recent update to the New Orleans Saints’ coaching staff.
Clapp’s New Chapter Comes After Stint With Los Angeles Chargers
Will Clapp’s return to New Orleans is both a symbolic re-entry into the football world, and a practical one. As a Louisiana native and former standout player at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, Clapp was originally selected by the Saints in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft, where he was 245th overall. During his first stint with the franchise, he carved out a reputation as a dependable and versatile interior lineman who could switch his positions of play between guard and center.
The #Saints have hired Will Clapp as an offensive assistant on their coaching staff. pic.twitter.com/Dt0fqMIkXT
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 3, 2026
After stepping away from the Saints, Clapp went on to play for the Los Angeles Chargers for a stint before retiring from playing in the NFL. But rather than leave the sport behind entirely, he has now found a new place for himself on New Orleans’ staffing roster. Transitioning directly into coaching will allow him to bring his firsthand experience on the field – and his knowledge of multiple NFL teams’ play strategies – to the current players down in the bayou.
Clapp’s Hiring Represents a Growing Trend in NFL Coaching Selection
The former offensive lineman will work as an offensive assistant on head coach Kellen Moore’s coaching staff for the New Orleans Saints, but the hiring of Will Clapp to come back to the NFL in a coaching role highlights a broader growing trend of bringing recent talent back into franchises to mentor and coach current players.
As an offensive assistant, Clapp will work closely with the O-Line and contribute to game planning, film breakdown, and player development. Given that Clapp has recently played in the NFL and been a player in the locker rooms of multiple professional franchises, he will bring a crisp perspective on coaching of the offensive linemen. Not to mention that being a Louisiana native will allow Clapp to encourage his players to connect with the culture in New Orleans and across Louisiana in a way that a non-native to the Pelican State may not be able to. Enhancing the fan experience and the team’s connection with the community builds upon one of the hallmarks of the Saints’ impact.
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