The Purdue Boilermakers will have a famous alum on the sidelines as they prepare for their matchup with LSU in the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 2.
Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who starred at Purdue from 1997-2000, has joined the Boilers coaching staff as an interim assistant.
The official announcement of Brees’ return to West Lafayette was made on Thursday by director of athletics Mike Bobinski.
‘For more than two decades, Drew Brees has shown the world what makes the Boilermakers special. He was an elite football player, but most of all, Drew is an extraordinary leader,’ Bobinski said in a news release. ‘Gaining his insights on the football field and in our coaching offices during this time of transition will be of great value to our student-athletes and staff.’
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Brees will assist interim head coach Brian Brohm as the Boilermakers prepare for their bowl game. Brohm takes over for his brother, Jeff Brohm, who was last week named head coach at his alma mater, Louisville.
‘I am extremely excited to work with our team over the next few weeks as we prepare for the Citrus Bowl,’ said Brees. ‘I see it not only as an opportunity to coach and mentor this group of young men, but represent all the former Purdue players that care so much about our program.’
Brees, a 20-year NFL veteran and the MVP of Super Bowl 44, will be involved in on-field preparation and will be able to participate in recruiting activities.
The winner of the Maxwell Award for the nation’s most outstanding player in 2000, Brees led Purdue to the Rose Bowl that season.
The Boilermakers went 8-5 under Brohm this year and are looking for back-to-back seasons of at least nine wins for the first time since Brees’ freshman and sophomore seasons in 1997 and 1998.
