49ers–Saints Matchup Features Extensive Web of Past Connections
NEW ORLEANS – When the San Francisco 49ers and new Orleans Saints face off, the gridiron will be a reunion of sorts, with a surprising number of players and coaches sharing prior affiliations. The connections span multiple teams and college programs, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this pivotal NFC contest.
This game isn’t just about playoff positioning; it’s a showcase of how interconnected the NFL truly is. from coaching lineages to former teammates now on opposing sidelines,these shared histories could subtly influence the game’s dynamics. The outcome will have importent implications for both teams’ postseason hopes, with the 49ers vying for NFC West dominance and the Saints battling for a Wild Card spot.
San Francisco Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh and New Orleans Bullocks were colleagues on the Jacksonville Jaguars coaching staff in 2016, both working under Head Coach Gus Bradley. Further coaching ties exist with Saints Assistant Special Teams Coach Kyle Wilber and 49ers staff,having been together on the Green Bay Packers staff in 2024.
On the field, several players have shared locker rooms or college fields. Saints tackle Xavier Truss and 49ers defensive end Robert Beal Jr. were georgia teammates. New Orleans Assistant Defensive Backs Coach Robert Blanton and San Francisco Assistant Special teams Coach Colt Anderson were Buffalo Bills teammates from 2016-2017. Saints linebacker Demario Davis played under 49ers Linebackers Coach johny Holland when Holland was the inside linebackers coach for the Cleveland Browns in 2016.
The connections extend to recent seasons and teams. 49ers quarterback Mac Jones and Saints defensive tackle Davon Godchaux were New England patriots teammates, as were godchaux and 49ers center Jake Brendel in Miami from 2017-2018. Jones, along with 49ers defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson and Saints fullback Patrick Fortner, were Jacksonville Jaguars teammates in 2024.
Additional player links include Saints defensive back Ugo Amadi and 49ers defensive end Sam Okuayinonu, who played together for the Tennessee Titans in 2022. New Orleans cornerback Quincy Riley and San Francisco running back Isaac Guerendo were Louisville teammates. Saints tight end Moliki Matavao and 49ers running back Jordan James were Oregon teammates in 2022.
Saints tight end Foster Moreau played for 49ers Quarterbacks Coach Mick Lombardi when Lombardi was the offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders from 2022-2023.Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry and 49ers running back Brian Robinson jr. were Alabama teammates. A trio of Saints – running backs Velus Jones Jr. and Alvin Kamara, and cornerback alontae Taylor – played alongside 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings at Tennessee.
Further collegiate connections include 49ers guard Dominick Puni blocking for Saints running back Devin Neal at Kansas, and Saints linebacker Jaylan Ford, tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.,and defensive tackle Vernon Broughton playing alongside 49ers defensive tackle Alfred Collins at Texas. Saints tight end Juwan Johnson and 49ers defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos were Penn State teammates.
