The New Orleans Saints might be facing some unexpected changes to their coaching staff this offseason - and not necessarily in the areas fans have been calling for. The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly requested interviews with two Saints assistants: quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien and offensive line coach Jahri Evans. While these aren’t the headline-grabbing shakeups some were hoping for, they could still have a significant impact on how the team operates heading into 2026.
Tolzien, for his part, didn’t shut the door on the possibility of moving on. Speaking briefly about the Steelers’ interest, he said, “I enjoy where I’m at, and yet you always see what’s out there.”
That’s a coach keeping his options open - and it’s understandable. But if he does leave, it opens up a key spot on Kellen Moore’s staff that will need to be filled with care.
The Saints’ quarterback room is already a crowded one, with Moore, offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, senior assistant Scott Linehan, and Tolzien all contributing to the development of young QBs like Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler. If Tolzien moves on, the Saints could keep things rolling with their current setup - but replacing his voice and experience won’t be plug-and-play. Let’s take a look at some possible candidates who could step into that quarterbacks coach role if the position opens up.
Jon Kitna
Kitna’s résumé is as varied as it is intriguing. The former NFL quarterback - who started 124 games over a 16-year career - has spent the last several years molding young minds at the high school level, coaching at schools in Washington, Texas, and most recently in the Cincinnati area.
But he also made a brief return to the NFL in 2019, coaching Dak Prescott with the Dallas Cowboys - the same team where he ended his playing days. Kitna has ties to Moore and shares that Pacific Northwest connection with several Saints staffers.
If he’s open to stepping back into the league, he could bring a wealth of experience and a teacher’s mindset to New Orleans.
Chandler Whitmer
Whitmer is a rising star in the coaching world. After getting his start in the NFL as an offensive quality control coach under Moore and Brandon Staley in 2023, he jumped to the Atlanta Falcons as a passing game specialist in 2024.
Most recently, he made waves coaching Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza at Indiana in 2025, where he served as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Whitmer has already interviewed with the Buccaneers for a similar role, so he’s clearly on the radar.
If the Saints want to move quickly and get ahead of the curve, Whitmer’s name should be near the top of the list.
Pat White
White brings a dual-threat pedigree that could be particularly appealing given the Saints’ young quarterback room. The former West Virginia star and 2009 second-round pick has been steadily building his coaching résumé.
He’s worked at the college level with programs like Alcorn State, Alabama State, and South Florida, and spent time in the NFL as an offensive assistant with the Chargers in 2022 and 2023 - including a season under Moore. Most recently, he returned to West Virginia to work with quarterbacks and assist head coach Rich Rodriguez.
White’s playing style and coaching background could help a QB like Tyler Shough develop more confidence in using his legs as a weapon.
Garrett Gilbert
Gilbert might not have the coaching experience of others on this list, but he’s been around the NFL block enough times to know what the job demands. The former Lake Travis and Texas standout bounced around eight NFL teams, including a stint with the Cowboys in 2020.
Since stepping away from playing, he’s worked with young quarterbacks at the Hill Country Passing Academy in Texas. With a strong support system already in place on the Saints’ staff, Gilbert could be a candidate for a developmental coaching role - learning on the job while contributing meaningful insight from a player’s perspective.
Joe Lombardi
If the Saints want to go with familiarity and experience, Lombardi is the obvious call. He’s spent 12 years with the organization in various roles, including two stints as quarterbacks coach from 2009 to 2013 and 2016 to 2020.
He also worked alongside Moore’s predecessor in Los Angeles, coordinating the Chargers’ offense in 2021 and 2022. Most recently, Lombardi was part of Sean Payton’s staff in Denver, but found himself out of work after the Broncos’ postseason collapse.
Given the Saints’ recent trend of bringing back former assistants like Joel Thomas and Brendan Nugent, it wouldn’t be surprising if they looked Lombardi’s way again.
Bottom line: if Scott Tolzien does end up heading to Pittsburgh, the Saints have options - and some intriguing ones at that. Whether they lean toward a veteran voice like Lombardi, a fresh mind like Whitmer, or a player-turned-coach like Kitna or White, the decision will be critical for the development of their young quarterbacks. With Kellen Moore steering the ship, whoever steps in will be expected to hit the ground running.