In addition to being foes in the NFC West Division from 1970-2001, various members of the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers organizations share various other connections. Below are some of these connections.
Saints northern California connections -- *Head Coach *Sean Paytonwas born in San Mateo, Ca…G Carl Nicksis a San Francisco native, who prepped at Salinas (Ca.) HS and then played at Hartnell Junior College…Wide receivers coach Curtis Johnson served in the same position at the University of California in 1995
49ers Louisiana connections –49ers S Curtis Taylorand DL Rickey Jean Francoiswere teammates at LSU, where they played with Saints practice squad LB Harry Coleman…San Francisco secondary coach Vance Josephis a native of Marrero... 49ers special teams coordinator Kurt Schottenheimer previously served as linebackers coach at LSU from 1984-85 and defensive backs coach at Tulane in 1983…49ers assistant wide receivers coach Wendell Davis is a Shreveport native who was a former first-team All-American selection at LSU…San Francisco wide receivers coach/senior assistant Jerry Sullivan served as wide receivers coach at LSU from 1984-1990…49ers DT Demetric Evansprepped at Haynesville high School.
Former Saints -San Francisco FB Moran Norris was a fourth round draft choice of the Saints in 2001 and played for them from 2001-02, serving as their backup lead blocker and as a contributor on special teams…49ers inside linebackers coach Vantz Singletary previously served a training camp internship with the Saints and was defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator at Southern University from 1997-98
Former 49ers -S Pierson Prioleau was a fourth round draft choice of the 49ers in 1999 and played with the club from 1999-2000…LS Jason Kyleplayed for the 49ers in 2000…Head athletic trainer Scottie B. Patton served as an assistant athletic trainer for the 49ers from 1991-95. Patton received his master's degree in sports medicine from San Jose State in 1996
Coaching Connections --Running game/offensive line coach Aaron Kromer and San Francisco offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye served on the same coaching staff in Oakland in 2004…Assistant head coach/linebackers Joe Vitt, Raye and San Francisco offensive line coach Mike Solari served on the same staff in Kansas City. Vitt and 49ers special teams coordinator Kurt Schottenheimer served on the same coaching staff in St. Louis in 2005…Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr., Raye, Schottenheimer and San Francisco defensive coordinator Greg Manusky served on the same coaching staff in Washington in 2001. Carmichael and Manusky later worked together in San Diego from 2002-05.
Quarterback Development –QB Drew Brees' first position coach in the NFL was San Francisco quarterbacks coach Mike Johnsonwhen he served in the position in San Diego in 2001.
Line Tutoring -Tight ends coach Terry Malonetutored 49ers GDavid Baasat the University of Michigan from 2001-04.
Michigan Ties -C Jonathan Goodwin and Baas were college teammates for the Wolverines in 2001. WRAdrian Arrington and Baas were college teammates with the Wolverines in 2004.
Ohio State Familiarity -S Malcolm Jenkins, 49ers T Alex Boone, QB Troy Smithand WR Ted Ginn Jr.were teammates at Ohio State University…DE Will Smith and 49ers CB Nate Clements were college teammates at OSU.
Texas Teammates -TE David Thomas and San Francisco CB Tarell Brownwere college teammates at the University of Texas.
Carolina Connection -LS Jason Kyle and San Francisco QB David Carr were teammates in Carolina in 2007.
Under The Same Coordination --Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams tutored Clements and 49ers LB Takeo Spikes when he was head coach with the Buffalo Bills…CB Jabari Greer, Clements, Prioleau and Spikes were teammates with the Bills.
Coral Gables Connection -- LB Jonathan Vilma and San Francisco RB Frank Gore were teammates at Coral Gables (Fl.) High School as well as at the University of Miami (Fl.).
High Draft Pick Backfield –RBReggie Bushand 49ers QBAlex Smithwere high school teammates at Helix (La Mesa, Ca.) High School.
Championship Connection --RB DeShawn Wynn and 49ers DT Ray McDonaldwere college teammates at the University of Florida where they were both members of the 2006 BCS National Championship team.
Sooner Similarities --DT Remi Ayodele, K Garrett Hartley and 49ers S Reggie Smith were college teammates at the University of Oklahoma.
Tennessee Trio --WR Robert Meachem, LB Marvin Mitchell and 49ers LB Parys Haralson were teammates at the University of Tennessee.
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