The 2024 NFL season concludes this Sunday at the Caesars Superdome, as the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs face off in Super Bowl LIX. For some players and coaches, kicking off this game in New Orleans will be a homecoming of sorts.
Steve Spagnuolo is the return that flies under the radar the most. The 2012 Saints defense he coordinated was so bad that you don’t even think about who was the calling the plays. Outside of a horrific defense, the 2012 season was pretty forgettable. It was the year Sean Payton was suspended and most fans don’t think deeply about that year if they don’t have to. But Spagnuolo is the only member of the Chiefs with a tie to the Saints.
The most prominent returns are C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Zack Baun. Each player has carved out an important role in the Eagles defense, which is coordinated by another former Saints coach. This is Baun’s first year away from the Saints, and he instantly turned into an All-Pro and Pro Bowler. Gardner-Johnson is in his third season away from New Orleans.
Here are all the Super Bowl LIX players and coaches competing for glory on Sunday evening: