PA’s Joel Thomas returns to coach with New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS — Former Port Angeles running back star Joel Thomas is returning to the New Orleans Saints as running backs coach under new head coach Kellen Moore.

Thomas, a 1993 Port Angeles grad, held the same title under previous head coaches Sean Payton and Dennis Allen from 2015-2023, working with NFL All-Pro backs such as Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingraham.

He spent the 2024 season on head coach Brian Daboll’s staff as the New York Giants running backs coach. The Giants finished 23rd overall in rushing yards after letting leading runner Saquon Barkley join the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in free agency.

Thomas played at the University of Idaho and remains the school’s all-time leader in rushing yards. He was inducted into the Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.

He then became a college coach, serving stints as an assistant at Purdue (twice, 2000-01 and 2006-08), Louisville (2002-03), Idaho (2004-05), Washington (2009-12) and Arkansas (2013-14) before joining the Saints’ coaching staff.

Moore is a Prosser native who is in his first head coaching role after serving as offensive coordinator with the Eagles last fall.

Razor clam digs

OLYMPIA – State Department of Fish and Wildlife shellfish managers confirmed six days of razor clam digs on coastal beaches beginning Monday.

“We had some successful digging days during the last tide series before the snow came and made things difficult,” said Bryce Blumenthal, WDFW’s recreational razor clam manager. “Hopefully, we will see more spring weather this upcoming tide series as we bid farewell to February and welcome March.”

The following digs during late afternoon/evening (digging is allowed from noon to midnight only) low tides will proceed as scheduled, after marine toxin results from the state Department of Health showed razor clams are safe to eat:

• Monday, 4:04 p.m.; 0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks.

• Tuesday, 4:46 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis.

• Wednesday, 5:25 p.m.; -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis.

• Thursday, 6:03 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks.

• Friday, 6:39 p.m.; -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks.

• March 1, 7:15 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis.

Parking pass required

PORT TOWNSEND — Starting March 1, a Discover Pass will be required for day-use parking in all areas of Fort Worden State Park.

This requirement was waived for the 90-acre upper campus when it was under the management of the Fort Worden Public Development Authority.

This change will not impact campers in the park. A Fort Worden camping reservation will continue to serve as a parking pass for overnight visitors.

Special Activities Permit holders will continue to work with park staff for event parking requirements.

To purchase a Discover Pass, visit https://www.discoverpass.wa.gov.

Peninsula Daily News