Joel Thomas is getting a well-earned spotlight on the national stage.
The New Orleans Saints assistant coach has been named head coach of the American Team at this year’s Senior Bowl - one of the most important events on the pre-draft calendar. For Thomas, currently serving as the Saints’ running backs coach and associate head coach, this is more than just a title. It’s a chance to lead, develop, and evaluate some of the top NFL prospects in the country - all while showcasing his own leadership chops in front of a league full of decision-makers.
Thomas returned to New Orleans in 2025 after a one-year stint with the New York Giants, but he’s no stranger to the Saints’ building. He previously spent nine seasons with the franchise before his brief detour to the NFC East.
His name has already been in the coaching conversation - including an interview for the head job at his alma mater, Idaho, back in 2021 - and this opportunity only raises his profile further. It’s clear he’s someone Saints offensive coordinator Kellen Moore holds in high regard.
What makes the Senior Bowl unique is that it’s not just about the game itself. It’s about the practices, the meetings, the behind-the-scenes evaluations that happen throughout the week.
For Thomas, that means getting hands-on with quarterbacks, running backs, receivers - you name it. He’ll be responsible for installing schemes, running drills, and creating an environment where these young players can show what they’ve got.
That’s no small task when you’re also trying to make your own case as a future head coach.
But the benefits here go beyond Thomas himself. This is a golden opportunity for the Saints as a whole to get an early look at draft talent - and they’ve made the most of it in years past.
Just last year, New Orleans came away from the Senior Bowl with a strong rookie class, including quarterback Tyler Shough, safety Jonas Sanker, cornerback Quincy Riley, running back Devin Neal, and tight end Moliki Matavao. And they didn’t stop with the draft picks.
The Saints also scooped up undrafted rookies like punter James Burnip and running back Marcus Yarns, both of whom came through the Senior Bowl process.
So yes, this is a big moment for Joel Thomas. But it’s also part of a bigger picture for a Saints organization that has quietly built a reputation for finding value in Mobile. With another deep pool of talent on the way in 2026, don’t be surprised if Thomas - and the Saints - come away with more than just a good week of practice.