Former Saints assistant Dan Roushar named Tulane Offensive Line Coach

NEW ORLEANS – Tulane Football head coach Willie Fritz announced Monday that Dan Roushar has been named offensive line coach for the Green Wave.

A 37-year coaching veteran, including two stints as an offensive coordinator, Roushar coached for the previous 10 seasons with the New Orleans Saints. He spent the last two seasons as the team’s run game coordinator/tight ends.

In addition to overseeing the team’s running game, Roushar tutored the team’s tight ends, one of the offense’s most youthful position groups, after overseeing one of the NFL’s most productive offensive lines from 2016-20. He previously served as tight ends coach in 2015 and coached the running backs from 2013-14.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Dan to our program,” said Fritz. “He brings a wealth of experience at the collegiate and professional level and has strong ties to the New Orleans area. He is excited to get going with us and we’re happy to have him aboard.”

Roushar came to New Orleans following a six-year stint at Michigan State, the final two as offensive coordinator/tight ends coach. Prior to his promotion to coordinator, Roushar served four seasons as the Spartans’ offensive line coach.

Prior to arriving in East Lansing, Roushar served two seasons as offensive line coach at Cincinnati from 2005-06.

A two-year letterman as a quarterback at Northern Illinois, he began his coaching career as a student assistant at his alma mater in 1984 and also spent time as an assistant at Butler (offensive coordinator-1986-92), the University of Rhode Island (1993), Ball State (offensive coordinator-1994) and the University of Illinois (1995-96). Roushar then spent six years as offensive line coach/offensive coordinator at Northern Illinois before returning to Champaign for a two-year stint in 2003, serving as offensive coordinator in his final season with the Illini.

“This is a great opportunity to join a program that is led by Willie Fritz and his tremendous staff,” said Roushar. “The success that Tulane has had is a direct reflection of the type of people it has here. It’s a real pleasure to be part of that.

“I’ve always wanted to be in a situation where, not only is everyone going in the same direction to win, but they put a premium on treating people the right way and the coaching and teaching of relationships are of the most importance.”

PLAYING CAREER: Northern Illinois, 1982-83.

COACHING CAREER: Northern Illinois, 1984; Butler, 1986-92; Rhode Island, 1993; Ball State, 1994; Illinois, 1995-96; Northern Illinois, 1997-2002; Illinois, 2003-04; Cincinnati, 2005-06; Michigan State, 2007-12; New Orleans Saints, 2013-22. 

What They’re Saying About Dan Roushar 

“I’m so appreciative of Dan Roushar’s efforts. His attention to detail and demand of excellence drove me to new heights in my career. He is such a vital and influential figure in my life. I cannot thank him enough.” 

Terron Armstead – Miami Dolphins Offensive Line (formerly with the New Orleans Saints) 

“Dan Roushar has the unique ability of getting the most out of those he coaches, and he is someone who cares as much about the player as he does the outcome. Tulane is a better team for having hired Dan.”
Taysom Hill – New Orleans Saints Tight End

“Dan is someone whose help changed the trajectory of my career. He genuinely cares for the development of his players, both on the field and as men. I couldn’t ask for anyone better to coach me in a position I had never played before. He isn’t one of the best coaches I’ve played for, he is the best.”
Juwan Johnson – New Orleans Saints Tight End 

“Dan helped me continue to develop as my career wound down but, more importantly, he brought back my love for the game. He will do a terrific job, not only developing talent, but also developing men of high character. It’s a huge win for Tulane’s program.”
Zach Strief – Former New Orleans Saints offensive lineman and current Denver Broncos OL coach

“Dan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience few other coaches can offer. His ability to prepare players, week in and week out, is as good as you will find at any level of football.”

Max Unger – New Orleans Saints Offensive Line