While the New Orleans Saints missed the playoffs in 2025, they showed some strides offensively under new quarterback Tyler Shough. Now, Shough and the offense will have a new coach to work with that was in their shoes not too long ago.
The Saints have hired Will Clapp as an offensive assistant, the team announced. He officially retired as a player in the NFL on Feb. 25.
Now back in New Orleans, Clapp will be coaching where it all began. The Saints selected the former offensive lineman in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He spent four years with the team, appearing in 34 games; including seven starts. Clapp would then sign with the Los Angeles Chargers before ending his career with the Buffalo Bills. Over his seven years total in the NFL, the offensive lineman appeared in 66 games with 22 starts.
Clapp actually signed with the Saints heading into the 2025 season. However, a foot injury during the team's first preseason forced him on season-ending injury reserve. Clapp then decided it was time to hang up the cleats.
But now, he'll have an opportunity to help lead the new wave of players for the team that drafted him. Assuming he will work with New Orleans' offensive lineman, Clapp will have plenty of talent in front of him. The Saints are counting on players like former first rounders Taliese Fuaga and Kelvin Banks Jr to be the foundation of the team's growing O-line.
Now, Clapp will be available to help any of New Orleans' Shough blockers take a step forward. It didn't take long for the former offensive lineman to get to work. Now, the Saints want Clapp to put his expertise into practice.
