Scott Tolzien is staying put in New Orleans.
After interviewing for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive coordinator job, the Saints quarterbacks coach has decided to remain with head coach Kellen Moore’s staff. While Tolzien had a clear connection to new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy-having played under him in Green Bay from 2013 to 2015-Pittsburgh appears to be heading in a different direction for its OC role.
For Tolzien, this marks another step in what’s been a steady climb up the coaching ladder. The 38-year-old has quietly built a résumé that blends on-field experience with behind-the-scenes development.
After going undrafted out of Wisconsin in 2011, Tolzien signed with the Chargers but was waived before the regular season. He landed with the 49ers and later spent time with the Packers and Colts, ultimately stepping away from the game after the 2018 season.
Though his playing career was brief-10 games, 1,065 passing yards, two touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a rushing score-it gave him a firsthand understanding of life under center in the NFL. That insight has served him well in his coaching journey.
He started that next chapter at his alma mater, returning to Wisconsin as a coaching analyst for a year before joining the Cowboys in 2020. By 2023, he had worked his way up to quarterbacks coach in Dallas, helping shape the QB room through two seasons. But when Brian Schottenheimer was elevated to head coach, the team opted not to retain Tolzien.
That opened the door for New Orleans, where Kellen Moore brought him in ahead of the 2025 season. Now, with the Saints looking to build something sustainable on offense, keeping Tolzien in the fold gives Moore continuity in the quarterback room-something that can’t be overstated when trying to develop a cohesive offensive identity.
While the Steelers job might’ve been a tempting opportunity, Tolzien’s decision to stay suggests he sees real potential in what’s being built in New Orleans. And for a young coach with a growing reputation, sometimes the best move is sticking with the situation that fits.