Report: New Orleans Saints To Hire Dave Ziegler

Saints add an experienced name to their braintrust in preparation for free agency and the draft.

CBS Sports is the first to report that the New Orleans Saints are hiring former Las Vegas Raiders General Manager Dave Ziegler in an advisory role through the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite several changes on the coaching staff, the New Orleans draft process will still be headed up by head scout Jeff Ireland, GM Mickey Loomis, and head coach Dennis Allen. 

Ziegler's role and tenure has not been officially specified. 

Ziegler, 46, had been general manager of the Raiders for the previous two seasons. Over that time, the Raiders most notable draft choices have been DE Tyree Wilson, TE Michael Mayer, and QB Aidan O'Connell last year and RB Zamir White in 2022. 

Las Vegas finished with a 6-11 record in 2022. After the Raiders started 3-5 in 2023, Ziegler was fired on November 1. Las Vegas finished the year at 8-9, firing coach Josh McDaniels and his entire staff at the end of the season. 

Saints QB Derek Carr was the starter for the Raiders in 2022. He was benched at the end of the year, ultimately getting released and signing with New Orleans last offseason. 

Oct 23, 2022; Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is congratulated by Raiders General Manager Dave Ziegler after the Raiders defeated the Houston Texans. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Prior to joining the Raiders, Ziegler was with the New England Patriots from 2013 to 2021, assisting in three Super Bowl championship teams. He started as assistant director of pro scouting from 2013 to 2015. In 2016, Ziegler was promoted to New England's Director of Player Personnel, a role he'd hold for six years.

Ziegler's first NFL job was with the Denver Broncos in 2010. He was a player personnel assistant in his first year before becoming a scout from 2011 to 2012.

The 2024 NFL Draft will be April 25-27 in Detroit. New Orleans owns the number 14 choice in the first round. NFL free agency officially begins on March 13. Teams may officially contact pending free agents for negotiations on March 11.