Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
There will be some high-ranking New Orleans Saints staff members taking part in this year’s collegiate all-star games. The headliner: Saints’ associate head coach and running backs coach Joel Thomas, who will assume the role of head coach for the Senior Bowl’s American Team.
The Senior Bowl announced the head coaches for both teams Friday morning. The leader of the National Team will be Philadelphia Eagles senior defensive assistant and defensive line coach Clint Hurtt.
2026 Panini Senior Bowl Head Coaches 🏈🔥
The American Team will be led by Joel Thomas of the New Orleans Saints.
The National Team will be led by Clint Hurtt of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Full staff to be announced on Monday.#TheDraftStartsInMobile pic.twitter.com/YKpA1cBx7f
— Panini Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 16, 2026
Thomas, who came back to the Saints’ coaching staff ahead of the 2025 season after a stint with the New York Giants, was promoted to associate head coach upon his return. This opportunity will be another addition to his already impressive and highly-respected career.
The Senior Bowl’s announcement included the following statement from Thomas regarding the opportunity:
“I’m honored to be chosen as the American Team head coach for the 2026 Senior Bowl. This is the elite college football all-star game that has featured some of the top players in the sport as they look to take that next step in their careers. It gives players from schools of all sizes the opportunity to compete, work under the tutelage of NFL coaches and receive great exposure to general managers, scouts and coaches. I had a great experience in Mobile in 2025 as the American Team offensive coordinator and look forward to getting to know and work with these outstanding young men throughout the week in making this a great experience for them.”
New Orleans will also have featured representation at the East-West Shrine Bowl, with defensive passing game coordinator Terry Joseph selected as the West Team defensive coordinator.
The 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl West Team Defensive Coordinator
💫 Terry Joseph, @Saints#ShrineBowlWHOSNEXT pic.twitter.com/a1qzvHxQSF
— East-West Shrine Bowl (@ShrineBowl) January 15, 2026
