New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier will not be with the team during the NFL draft. The organization has granted him permission to be elsewhere for a personal reason. He will instead spend the time with his son, quarterback prospect Garrett Nussmeier.
The decision allows the coach to support his son during a pivotal career moment. Garrett Nussmeier is eligible for selection in the upcoming draft. This creates a unique family scenario intersecting professional football's annual talent acquisition event.
The Saints actively encouraged the coordinator to take this opportunity. Team leadership framed it as a special circumstance warranting an exception from standard draft-week responsibilities. No specific details were provided about how the offensive staff will operate in his absence.
The arrangement highlights the human element within the league's high-stakes business operations. It sets a precedent for accommodating family milestones amid rigid NFL schedules. Other teams may face similar requests in future drafts as more children of coaches enter the league.
Football operations will continue under other staff members, though the OC's strategic input during live picks will be missed.