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Scott Tolzien, the newly appointed quarterback coach for the New Orleans Saints, is a name that has been known to football enthusiasts for a number of years, though not for the reasons that would make him a household name like some NFL quarterbacks. He comes to the Saints with a wealth of experience, but not necessarily from a standout playing career. Instead, Tolzien’s journey is more about perseverance, adaptability, and making a lasting impact through coaching. Let’s take a deeper dive into his career and examine how his path led him to this pivotal position.

#### Early Life and College Career

Born on September 4, 1987, in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, Scott Tolzien had the early makings of a football player, but his college days weren’t the meteoric rise some might expect of an NFL coach. He played college football at the University of Wisconsin, where he was a steady, reliable figure for the Badgers.

Tolzien’s college career was not necessarily defined by flashes of greatness, but by consistency and leadership. He became Wisconsin’s starting quarterback during his junior year (2009), following the departure of previous starter Allan Evridge. His performance was key to the team’s success, particularly his ability to manage games and protect the football.

Over the next two years, Tolzien demonstrated impressive poise in the pocket, with strong decision-making and a low turnover rate. In his senior year (2010), Tolzien led Wisconsin to a Big Ten Championship and a Rose Bowl appearance. He completed 72.9% of his passes that season—one of the best completion percentages in the nation—finishing with 2,709 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions. Tolzien’s ability to make the right decisions and limit mistakes played a large part in Wisconsin’s success.

However, despite his solid college career, Tolzien was never considered a top NFL prospect, and his draft stock reflected that. He went undrafted in 2011 but quickly signed with the San Diego Chargers as a free agent. This would mark the beginning of an unconventional professional career.

#### NFL Career: Undrafted but Determined

Tolzien’s entry into the NFL was far from glamorous. After spending the 2011 season on the Chargers’ practice squad, he was waived and claimed by the San Francisco 49ers in 2012, continuing his journey as a backup. His opportunities in San Francisco were limited—he served as the third-string quarterback behind Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick. Still, Tolzien’s value as a backup was clear: his mental acumen, professionalism, and understanding of the game made him an asset in the meeting rooms, even if he wasn’t on the field as often.

In 2013, Tolzien got his first real playing time in the NFL. When Kaepernick struggled during a game, Tolzien came in as a backup, completing 11 of 21 passes for 130 yards in a loss to the Carolina Panthers. Despite limited playing time and a generally uneventful run in San Francisco, he was always regarded as a reliable backup who understood offensive schemes and could step in when needed.

Tolzien’s most notable playing time came with the Green Bay Packers. In 2013, after an injury to Aaron Rodgers, Tolzien was called upon to start several games. While the Packers didn’t win all of those games, Tolzien displayed his ability to manage an offense, throwing for 721 yards with 1 touchdown and 5 interceptions in 3 games. Though those stats aren’t eye-popping, they served as a testament to Tolzien’s competence and willingness to step up during a critical time.

Tolzien’s career continued with a couple of other stints with the Indianapolis Colts, where he served as a backup quarterback behind Andrew Luck. His time with the Colts was more of the same: backup duties, no starting role, but offering leadership and a strong grasp of the game. He spent most of his professional career as a depth chart guy, but always had a role in helping develop younger quarterbacks.

Tolzien’s playing career concluded after the 2017 season, with his final game being in a loss to the Houston Texans, but he left an impression on many coaches and teammates. His reputation as a hard worker, high character, and smart football mind was enough to keep him employed in the NFL as a backup for several seasons.

#### Transition to Coaching: The Road to New Orleans

After retiring from playing, Tolzien immediately began making his way into coaching. Like many former players, Tolzien’s insight and knowledge of the game made him a natural candidate for a coaching role.

He started his post-playing career by joining the coaching ranks as a quality control coach for the Green Bay Packers in 2019. This position allowed him to work closely with the team’s quarterbacks and offensive players, giving him a great foundation for what would come next. During his time with the Packers, Tolzien worked with quarterbacks such as Aaron Rodgers and helped provide the younger players with valuable knowledge gleaned from his own playing experience.

In 2021, Tolzien’s coaching resume grew as he joined the Indianapolis Colts’ staff as an offensive assistant. This role involved supporting the quarterback room as well as the entire offensive unit, building on his understanding of the NFL game and solidifying his reputation as a player-turned-coach who could bridge the gap between players and coaches.

Now, in 2025, Tolzien has reached the pinnacle of his coaching journey with the New Orleans Saints, being hired as the quarterback coach. It’s a significant leap for Tolzien, who had climbed through the ranks and proven himself as a sharp football mind. His ability to relate to quarterbacks, particularly in his previous role as an assistant coach, has made him the ideal candidate for the job in New Orleans.

#### The Future with the Saints: What Tolzien Brings to the Table

Now that he is the quarterback coach for the Saints, Tolzien’s role will be pivotal in the development of the team’s quarterback, whoever that may be. With an offense that has seen several changes in recent years, including the departure of legendary quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints are in a bit of a transition phase at the most important position on the field.

Tolzien’s experience as a backup quarterback who learned from the likes of Aaron Rodgers gives him a unique perspective on the mental and technical aspects of playing the position. He can connect with quarterbacks who are trying to make their way into the league or become established starters. His calm demeanor, combined with his understanding of the game’s nuances, will likely serve him well in his new role.

One of Tolzien’s key strengths as a coach is his ability to teach players how to read defenses, manage game situations, and protect the football. His background as a game manager will be beneficial to any young quarterback coming through New Orleans. Additionally, Tolzien’s background in mentoring young quarterbacks during his time in Green Bay and Indianapolis gives him the experience to handle a developing player.

#### Final Thoughts

Scott Tolzien may not have been a household name as a player, but he has certainly made a name for himself as a coach. His transition from a backup quarterback to a coaching role has been smooth, thanks to his extensive knowledge of the game, his leadership, and his ability to connect with players. Now, with the New Orleans Saints, he has an exciting opportunity to shape the future of the franchise’s quarterback position and help guide young talent to their potential.

As Tolzien embarks on this new chapter in his career, fans can expect him to bring his years of experience and hard-earned wisdom to New Orleans, where his impact could be felt for years to come.