Tag: John Benton

Saints’ new coaching staff has Trevor Penning at right tackle

The New Orleans Saints’ new coaching staff has Trevor Penning auditioning at right tackle, and the early returns are encouraging:

Trevor Penning and Taliese Fuaga played on the left and right sides of the offensive line in college, but the New Orleans Saints have them swapping roles early in the 2024 offseason. When the Saints gathered for voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) on Tuesday, Penning was busy learning to play at right tackle. It’s an experiment his new coaches feel could be what’s best for him.

“All arrows are up on Trevor Penning right now,” said Saints offensive line coach John Benton, who added that the plan was to try him out at right tackle regardless of this year’s draft haul. If the Saints had selected a natural left tackle or another right tackle instead of Fuaga, Penning would still be getting these snaps.

And it isn’t just Penning moving around. Fuaga, this year’s first round pick out of Oregon State, has been working at left tackle in the spring. Saints head coach Dennis Allen explained that plan.

“You’re going to see a few things throughout the course of training camp, where we’re going to maybe try out some different things,” Allen said. “I think that’s kind of the direction we’re looking at right now, really working Taliese over at the left side, and giving Trevor an opportunity to work on the right side. We’re still waiting to see where Ryan Ramczyk is when we get probably to training camp, being potentially the first time we see him. That’s kind of the thought process.”

So the Saints aren’t putting either player down at one of those spots with a permanent marker; there’s time for either (or both) of Fuaga or Penning to emerge as a better option at the tackle spots. Just because Penning is playing right tackle in May doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be staying there come September. But if that’s what’s best for his development and the state of the offensive line, the Saints are willing to embrace it. We’ll keep track of this over the summer.

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Former Saints OL coach Doug Marrone has a new college coaching job

Former Saints offensive line coach Doug Marrone has a new job working under Bill O’Brien at Boston College:

It didn’t take too long for Doug Marrone to land on his feet — he’s returned to the college level after being hired by Boston College as their new senior analyst, where he’ll work under head coach Bill O’Brien, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel. He’ll be focusing on football strategy and research.

Marrone was let go along with most of the New Orleans Saints’ offensive coaching staff in February. Before he arrived for his second stint with the team (he was also Sean Payton’s offensive coordinator back in 2006), Marrone worked at Alabama and Syracuse in-between other stops in the NFL, so he knows the college game well. He and O’Brien coached together at Alabama in 2021.

He isn’t the only former Saints offensive line coach working at the collegiate level. Dan Roushar held the position for a long time and is still in New Orleans coaching at Tulane. Their predecessor Bret Ingalls is a coach at Michigan. The Saints’ current offensive line has fallen on hard times, but it’s always been a well-coached unit respected around the league. Hopefully incoming coaches John Benton, Rick Dennison, and Klint Kubiak can get it back on track.

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Saints adding another former Gary Kubiak assistant to 2024 coaching staff

The Saints are adding another former Gary Kubiak assistant to their coaching staff, who has also worked with Klint Kubiak before:

The New Orleans Saints are putting an emphasis on getting their run game right in 2024, which means bringing in new coaches — and there’s going to be a lot of synergy between some of their most important new additions. Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has already picked John Benton as his offensive line coach, and Nola.com’s Matthew Paras reports that Rick Dennison is being added to the coaching staff in a yet-to-be-determined role.

Dennison, 65, has worked with Kubiak before on the Minnesota Vikings as a senior advisor, offensive line coach, and run game coordinator. But before that, he worked under Gary Kubiak on the Houston Texans as their offensive coordinator. At that same time, Benton was the Texans offensive line coach.

They both played a key part in developing a strong Houston offensive line and dominant rushing attack led by Arian Foster, who averaged 98.5 yards per game and scored 47 touchdown runs in 54 games when they were both on staff from 2010 to 2013 (including the playoffs). The Saints are hoping to get similar production out of Kendre Miller and Alvin Kamara by installing a similar one-cut rushing scheme.

So while Dennison’s exact role is yet unknown, we should expect him to be working with the offensive line and run game in some capacity given it’s his area of expertise. And the Saints could use the help. They haven’t gotten enough out of young draft picks in that phase like Miller and offensive linemen Trevor Penning, Cesar Ruiz, and Nick Saldiveri. Upgrading the rushing attack should help take pressure off of Derek Carr and buy more time for the defense to rest up until their numbers are called to go into the game. We can see from these moves that the Saints are taking a well thought-out approach by hiring coaches who have found success together before. Hopefully it pays off.

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Saints expected to finalize hires of Klint Kubiak, several assistants after Super Bowl LVIII

NFL Network reports what we’ve been expecting: the Saints plan to finalize their hires of Klint Kubiak and several assistant coaches after Super Bowl LVIII:

Here’s more support for what we’ve been expecting: NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that the New Orleans Saints plan to formalize their hire of Klint Kubiak and introduce him as their new offensive coordinator after Super Bowl LVIII, an expectation which has already been reported. Kubiak is the San Francisco 49ers pass game specialist and has previously called plays for the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos. Out goes Pete Carmichael and in steps Klint Kubiak.

That’s not all. Pelissero confirms that two coaches are expected to join Kubiak’s staff after previously being targeted by the Saints. John Benton only worked with Kubiak briefly while coaching the Houston Texans offensive line under Gary Kubiak, his father, but he brings a wealth of experience after spending decades in the NFL, and he’s expected to replace Doug Marrone as the Saints’ offensive line coach.

Additionally, and as previously reported, ex-Chicago Bears quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko is expected to join the Saints in the same capacity. He held that position under Kubiak on the Vikings back in 2021 and will be replacing Ronald Curry.

While Kubiak is retaining Saints tight ends coach Clancy Barone (who he has worked with before) and a few assistant coaches, it’s going to be an entirely new offensive system for New Orleans derived from the Shanahan-Kubiak coaching tree. It’s unclear who will take over as the Saints’ new wide receivers and running backs coaches (and who else may be in the mix for other positions), so stay tuned.

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Longtime Gary Kubiak assistant emerges in Saints OL coach search

A longtime Gary Kubiak assistant has emerged as the frontrunner in the Saints’ search for a new offensive line coach. John Benton could be the right man for the job:

Klint Kubiak’s New Orleans Saints coaching staff is beginning to take shape. Kubiak can’t be formerly introduced as the team’s offensive coordinator until after his San Francisco 49ers compete in Super Bowl LVIII this Sunday, but the Saints are already on the search for key position coaches who know his system.

One name to watch: John Benton, who the Times-Picayune | Advocate’s Luke Johnson reports is a frontrunner to coach the offensive line under Kubiak, replacing the recently-dismissed Doug Marrone. Benton, 60, has a wealth of NFL experience — he came up as Gary Kubiak’s offensive line coach with the Houston Texans from 2006 to 2013, playing a big role in establishing one of the league’s best rushing offenses. Arian Foster, an undrafted rookie, twice led the league in touchdown runs and earned four Pro Bowl nods running behind Benton’s offensive line.

He also played for the Saints as a replacement during the 1987 strike. A graduate out of Colorado State (Klint Kubiak’s alma mater), he’s spent time with the St. Louis Rams early in his career (way back in 2003) and more recently on staff with the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars. Notably, he was one of the first assistants that Kyle Shanahan hired with the San Francisco 49ers (having worked together in Houston) back in 2017. He helped install one of the league’s best rushing attacks before leaving for a promotion on Robert Saleh’s New York Jets staff in 2021, being named the run game coordinator. But he was let go after the 2022 season and wasn’t in the NFL in 2023.

He could be a good get. Balancing out a younger offensive coordinator (Kubiak turns 37 in February) with a position coach who has seen it all through a decades-long career and developed so many young players might be the best path forward. Coaching up embattled left tackle Trevor Penning is just one of the responsibilities that come with the job, but it’s a critical task, and Benton just might be the right guy to see it through. The Saints use many of the same zone-blocking concepts that Benton, Shanahan, and the Kubiaks pioneered, just not as effectively. Maybe he can clean up the mistakes and get them on track.

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Rams expected to interview former Jets OL coach John Benton

The Rams are expected to interview former Jets OL coach John Benton for the same role

The Jets already added one former Jets coach to their staff this offseason when they hired Mike LaFleur as their offensive coordinator, and they’re now taking a look at another assistant from Robert Saleh’s regime.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Rams are expected to interview former Jets offensive line coach John Benton for the same position. It’s unclear when that interview will take place.

The Rams parted ways with Kevin Carberry this offseason after he worked as their O-line coach for the last two seasons after being hired in 2021.

Benton is an experienced coach, having worked in the NFL since 2003. Coincidentally, his first job in the league was as the Rams’ O-line coach in 2003, spending three years with the team.

Most recently, he was the Jets’ offensive line coach and run game coordinator under Saleh for the last two years. He’s also had stints with the Texans, Dolphins, Jaguars and 49ers in his career.

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Robert Saleh on John Benton’s DUI arrest: ‘It’s a great lesson for everybody’

Robert Saleh described John Benton’s DUI arrest earlier this month as a learning opportunity for the Jets’ offensive line coach.

Jets offensive line coach John Benton was arrested and charged with DUI in New Jersey earlier this March.

Benton was pulled over by New Jersey State Police on I-287 in Morristown just before midnight for a motor vehicle violation, according to the New York Post. State troopers suspected he was under the influence and arrested him on a DUI charge. A police spokesman told The Post that Benton was processed and released.

Robert Saleh addressed Benton’s arrest at the NFL owners meetings on Monday, describing the arrest as something the veteran offensive line coach and everyone else can learn from.

“It’s a great lesson for everybody: it doesn’t matter if you have one, two … in this day and age, it’s very easy to get an Uber,” Saleh said, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “I know he knows he made a mistake. Hopefully, it’s something we can learn from.”

Saleh hired Benton as his offensive line coach and run game coordinator last offseason after the two worked together with the 49ers, Jaguars and Texans. The 58-year-old Benton has coached in the NFL since 2004, working with the Rams and Dolphins in addition to his stints in Houston, Jacksonville and San Francisco.

Benton is subject to discipline under the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

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Jets OL coach John Benton arrested for DUI in New Jersey

Jets offensive line coach John Benton was arrested and charged with driving under the influence in New Jersey on Thursday night.

Jets offensive line coach John Benton was arrested and charged with driving under the influence in New Jersey on Thursday night.

Benton was pulled over by the New Jersey State Police on I-287 in Morristown just before midnight for a motor vehicle violation, according to the New York Post. State troopers suspected he was under the influence and arrested him on a DUI charge. A police spokesman told The Post that Benton was processed and released. The Jets told The Post they were aware of the situation.

Robert Saleh hired Benton as his offensive line coach and run game coordinator last offseason after the two worked together with the 49ers, Jaguars and Texans. The 58-year-old has coached in the NFL since 2004, working with the Rams and Dolphins, in addition to his stints in Houston, Jacksonville and San Francisco.

Benton is subject to discipline under the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

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Alijah Vera-Tucker impressing Jets OL coach early on

John Benton has yet to see Alijah Vera-Tucker in pads, but the Jets rookie has been able to “check every box” so far.

A crucial summer evaluation period awaits, but John Benton likes what he’s seen from Alijah Vera-Tucker so far.

Vera-Tucker, the 14th overall pick in the 2021 draft, impressed Benton, the Jets offensive line coach, during his first NFL OTAs and minicamp. Vera-Tucker did everything that he has supposed to, leaving Benton eager to see more in training camp and the preseason.

“Very positive, we don’t have pads on yet, so there’s a lot of boxes to be checked,” Benton said, via the Jets’ website. “But right now, he’s been able to check every box. He’s willing to learn the scheme. Impressive athletically, and he seems to fit right in with the guys. He’ll definitely be in the running, provided he passes the physical tests when we put the pads on. But all indications are good.”

If Vera-Tucker continues on this path, he’ll likely be the Jets’ starting left guard in Week 1 against the Panthers. He is competing with Alex Lewis, who was the Jets’ starting left guard last season, but Vera-Tucker is clearly the preferred choice after Joe Douglas traded up in the draft to get him.

The Jets traded the No. 23 overall pick and two third-round picks to draft Vera-Tucker 14th overall.

Vera-Tucker’s excellence in pass protection at USC was a big reason why they did that. He only allowed five sacks in his entire college career while recording a 91.6 pass-blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus.

We’ll see if Vera-Tucker can translate his college success over to the NFL, but he has performed well in his short Jets tenure thus far.

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Report: Mike LaFleur, John Benton among 4 coaches joining Robert Saleh’s Jets staff

Robert Saleh’s coaching staff is starting to take shape as the Jets’ head coach has brought two 49ers assistants with him to New York.

Robert Saleh is beginning to form his coaching staff.

The Jets’ head coach is taking two 49ers assistants with him to New York, according to NFL Network’s Michael Silver. Mike LaFleur, who was San Francisco’s passing game coordinator, will serve as Saleh’s offensive coordinator, while John Benton will take on the role of offensive line coach and run game coordinator.

LaFleur is the younger brother of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. The 33-year-old experienced a quick rise under Kyle Shanahan, serving as an offensive intern for him in Cleveland before becoming an offensive assistant in Atlanta. He then followed Shanahan to San Francisco, where he was the team’s passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach from 2017-18. He dropped the wide receiver coach’s title in 2019 and 2020.

Benton has 33 years of coaching experience, including 16 seasons in the NFL. The new Jets offensive line coach just completed his fourth season in San Francisco. Benton’s notable achievements include serving as the Houston Texans offensive line coach from 2006-13, where his offensive line helped establish one of the NFL’s most potent offensive attacks. The Texans set franchise records for rushing yards (2,448) in 2011 and passing yards (4,564) and total offense (6,129 yards) in 2009.

Benton’s unit was instrumental in San Francisco’s march to the Super Bowl in 2019. The 49ers’ offense ranked second in the NFL in rushing yards per game (144.1) and fourth in the league in total offense (381.1 yards per game).

In addition, Silver also reported that former Falcons quarterbacks coach Gregg Knapp will join the Jets in the same role, while Broncos quality control coach Rob Calabrese will be New York’s passing game coordinator.

Knapp has significant NFL experience as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, including his work with Michael Vick in Atlanta from 2004-06. Knapp most recently served as the Falcons QB coach from 2018-20.

Calabrese has had a fast rise up the coaching ranks. The former college quarterback was the offensive coordinator at Wagner University before becoming an offensive quality control coach with Denver from 2019-20.