Saints RB Coach Joel Thomas Possibly to Interview With Cardinals

Highly regarded New Orleans offensive assistant Joel Thomas is starting to attract some interest from other NFL teams.

The Arizona Cardinals have requested permission to interview New Orleans Saints RB Coach Joel Thomas for their offensive coordinator job. This was reported by the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero on Friday. 

Thomas, 48, has overseen the New Orleans running backs since 2015. The Saints have been his only NFL coaching position. Prior to joining New Orleans, he was a collegiate assistant for Arkansas, Washington, Purdue, Idaho, and Louisville. 

Thomas was a running back at the University of Idaho until 1998. He was 1st Team All-Big West twice during his career and graduated second in Vandals' history for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. 

During Thomas' time with the Saints, RB Mark Ingram had two 1,000-yard seasons for one of the league's most productive offenses from 2015-2020. Ingram and RB Alvin Kamara have combined for seven Pro Bowl appearances during his tenure. Thomas also oversaw Kamara's development into one of the NFL's most versatile offensive players.

May 14, 2022; New Orleans Saints running back coach Joel Thomas looks on during rookie camp at the Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans ranked 19th in total offense and 19th in rushing production during a 7-10 campaign in 2022. The Saints have already had to replace Declan Doyle with Clancy Barone and Zach Strief with Kevin Carberry on the offensive staff. 

Arizona finished 4-13 in 2022 and fired coach Kliff Kingsbury after the season. He was replaced by former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, so the new Cardinals offensive coordinator is expected to have total control over game plans and play-calling. 

* February 19 Update* The Cardinals officially hired Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator. Joel Thomas will not likely interview with Arizona for any other coaching position.

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