New Orleans Saints defensive line coach history

Todd Grantham

Grantham is the defensive line coach for the New Orleans Saints since the 2023 season.

Ryan Nielsen

Nielsen was the defensive line coach for the New Orleans Saints in the 2017-2022 seasons, a total of six years. Nielsen's record as the team's defensive line coach was 65-33-0, making him the most successful defensive line coach in New Orleans Saints history. The team made it to the playoffs four times (2017-2020) and had a 3-4 record under Coach Nielsen in playoff games.

Bill Johnson

Johnson was the defensive line coach for the New Orleans Saints in the 2009-2016 seasons, a total of eight years. Johnson's record as the team's defensive line coach was 76-52-0, making him the second-most successful defensive line coach in New Orleans Saints history. The team made it to the playoffs four times (2009-2011, 2013) and had a 5-3 record under Coach Johnson in playoff games. In 2009, the New Orleans Saints faced off against the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV and the Saints, under the direction of head coach Sean Payton, won 31-17.

Ed Orgeron

Orgeron was the defensive line coach for the New Orleans Saints in the 2008 season.

John Pease

Pease was the defensive line coach for the New Orleans Saints in the 1986-1994, 2004-2005 seasons, a total of eleven years. Pease's record as the team's defensive line coach was 95-80-0, making him the third-most successful defensive line coach in New Orleans Saints history. The team made it to the playoffs four times (1987, 1990-1992) and had a 0-4 record under Coach Pease in playoff games.

Sam Clancy

Clancy was the defensive line coach for the New Orleans Saints in the 2000-2003 seasons, a total of four years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2000) and had a 1-1 record under Coach Clancy in playoff games.

Walt Corey

Corey was the defensive line coach for the New Orleans Saints in the 1997-1999 seasons, a total of three years. Corey's record as the team's defensive line coach was 15-33-0, making him the third-least successful defensive line coach in New Orleans Saints history.

Wayne Nunnely

Nunnely was the defensive line coach for the New Orleans Saints in the 1995-1996 seasons, a total of two years. Nunnely's record as the team's defensive line coach was 10-22-0, making him the third-least successful defensive line coach in New Orleans Saints history.

Willie Zapalac

Zapalac was the defensive line coach for the New Orleans Saints in the 1981-1985 seasons, a total of five years.

Tom Pratt

Pratt was the defensive line coach for the New Orleans Saints in the 1978-1980 seasons, a total of three years.

Buck Buchanan

Buchanan was the defensive line coach for the New Orleans Saints in the 1976-1977 seasons, a total of two years. Buchanan's record as the team's defensive line coach was 7-21-0, making him the least successful defensive line coach in New Orleans Saints history.

Ed Khayat

Khayat was the defensive line coach for the New Orleans Saints in the 1967-1970 seasons, a total of four years. Khayat's record as the team's defensive line coach was 14-40-2, making him the second-least successful defensive line coach in New Orleans Saints history.


New Orleans Saints defensive line coach record

Coach Years Record Win percentage Playoff record
Todd Grantham 2023 9-8-0 52.9% 0-0
Ryan Nielsen 2017-2022 65-33-0 66.3% 3-4
Bill Johnson 2009-2016 76-52-0 59.4% 5-3
Ed Orgeron 2008 8-8-0 50.0% 0-0
John Pease 1986-1994, 2004-2005 95-80-0 54.3% 0-4
Sam Clancy 2000-2003 34-30-0 53.1% 1-1
Walt Corey 1997-1999 15-33-0 31.3% 0-0
Wayne Nunnely 1995-1996 10-22-0 31.3% 0-0
Willie Zapalac 1981-1985 28-45-0 38.4% 0-0
Tom Pratt 1978-1980 16-32-0 33.3% 0-0
Buck Buchanan 1976-1977 7-21-0 25.0% 0-0
Ed Khayat 1967-1970 14-40-2 26.8% 0-0

New Orleans Saints defensive line coach facts

  • Ed Khayat was the first defensive line coach in Saints history in 1967.
  • John Pease coached the most seasons as the Saints's defensive line coach at eleven seasons.
  • Todd Grantham is the current defensive line coach, starting ahead of the 2023 season.