BREAKING NEWS: Dallas Cowboys Hire Saints’ Front Office Advisor Dave Ziegler As General Manager

January 27, 2025.

In a move that has taken the NFL by surprise, the Dallas Cowboys have officially named Dave Ziegler, the front office advisor from the New Orleans Saints, as their new General Manager. This decision marks a significant shift in the Cowboys’ front office and comes at a critical juncture for the team, which has been struggling to find sustained success in recent years. With the team looking to recover from yet another disappointing season and elevate their roster to championship-caliber status, the hiring of Ziegler is expected to bring a fresh perspective and strategic direction to a franchise in need of change.

Ziegler, who had served in various roles with the New Orleans Saints for nearly two decades, has long been regarded as one of the rising stars in NFL front offices. His extensive experience in player evaluation, roster construction, and cap management has made him a sought-after commodity in league circles. Over the years, Ziegler helped the Saints navigate difficult salary cap situations, making savvy moves to keep the team competitive while also constructing rosters capable of making deep playoff runs. His ability to assess talent and develop successful team-building strategies has drawn attention across the NFL, and many believe his addition to the Cowboys’ front office could be just the change the team needs.

A New Era for the Cowboys’ Front Office

The hiring of Ziegler as General Manager is the culmination of a lengthy search by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. The franchise has been in search of a top executive capable of taking the reins and leading the team to sustained success after a period of relative stagnation. Despite boasting a talented roster, the Cowboys have consistently underperformed in the postseason, with the last appearance in the NFC Championship Game dating back to the 1995 season.

The Cowboys’ front office has seen a variety of changes in recent years, with Jerry Jones continuing to play a hands-on role in key decisions. However, the team has faced repeated setbacks, and Jones has come under increasing pressure from fans and analysts to make a change. Many have pointed to the lack of a cohesive and efficient management structure as a major factor in the team’s inability to break through in the postseason.

With Ziegler now in charge of player personnel, the hope is that his leadership will help streamline decision-making, bring a clearer vision to roster construction, and instill a new sense of direction. As the Cowboys face another crucial offseason, the hiring of Ziegler signals that the team is serious about making the necessary adjustments to become Super Bowl contenders once again.

Ziegler’s Impressive Track Record with the Saints

Before being named the General Manager of the Cowboys, Ziegler had spent years with the New Orleans Saints, where he made a name for himself as one of the most respected front-office minds in the league. His ability to manage the salary cap and find value in the draft and free agency made him an integral part of the Saints’ sustained success under head coach Sean Payton.

One of Ziegler’s most notable achievements was his role in keeping the Saints competitive year in and year out despite the challenges of being over the salary cap in multiple seasons. Ziegler was able to creatively restructure contracts and make astute trades that allowed the Saints to field a competitive roster while staying under the salary cap, a skill that is particularly valuable in today’s salary-cap driven NFL. His work in this area caught the attention of several teams, including the Cowboys, who have struggled with cap management in recent years.

In addition to his cap work, Ziegler played an integral role in the Saints’ draft strategy. During his time with the franchise, Ziegler helped the Saints identify and select key players who became cornerstones of their team. His ability to scout talent, particularly in the middle rounds of the draft, has been a key factor in the Saints’ success over the past two decades. Whether it was landing Pro Bowl-caliber players in later rounds or unearthing undrafted gems, Ziegler’s keen eye for talent has been instrumental in building a roster that consistently competed at a high level.

What Ziegler Brings to the Cowboys

The Cowboys are hoping that Ziegler’s combination of roster-building acumen, salary cap management expertise, and draft evaluation skills will help transform the team into perennial Super Bowl contenders. Here are a few key areas where Ziegler is expected to make an immediate impact:

1. Roster Construction and Cap Management:
   The Cowboys have faced challenges in managing their salary cap over the years, often finding themselves with limited flexibility to sign top-tier free agents. Ziegler’s reputation for navigating cap constraints will be put to the test in Dallas, where the team has several key contracts on the books, including those of star players like quarterback Dak Prescott and defensive lineman Micah Parsons. Ziegler’s expertise in restructuring contracts, finding cost-effective solutions, and managing cap space will be crucial as the Cowboys look to improve their roster while keeping a healthy balance between long-term sustainability and short-term competitiveness.
2. Player Evaluation and the Draft:
   One of Ziegler’s strengths has always been his ability to evaluate talent, particularly in the NFL Draft. The Cowboys have had mixed success in the draft in recent years, and Ziegler’s keen eye for identifying undervalued players could be a major asset in helping the team find future stars. Additionally, Ziegler’s deep knowledge of college football and his ability to build relationships with scouts and coaches will likely improve the team’s draft strategy moving forward. Expect Ziegler to target areas of need on the roster, whether it’s bolstering the offensive line, adding more depth to the defensive front, or upgrading the receiving corps.
3. Building a Winning Culture:
   Ziegler’s experience with the Saints, a team that has maintained a culture of excellence for over a decade, will help him instill a winning mindset in the Cowboys’ front office and locker room. While Dallas has plenty of talent, their inability to consistently win in the postseason has raised questions about the team’s overall mentality and culture. Ziegler’s leadership, work ethic, and ability to maintain focus under pressure will be valuable assets as he works to shape the Cowboys’ culture and mentality.
4. Strategic Planning and Long-Term Vision:
   In a franchise that has often been criticized for its lack of clear vision in the front office, Ziegler’s strategic planning and long-term approach to team building will provide much-needed stability. His calm, methodical approach to decision-making, combined with his ability to see the big picture, will allow the Cowboys to make better long-term decisions regarding player acquisitions, roster moves, and team development.

A Welcome Change for Cowboys Fans

The hiring of Dave Ziegler as the Cowboys’ General Manager has been met with excitement and optimism among fans who are eager to see the team break free from its cycle of playoff disappointment. The move represents a bold step forward for the franchise and signals that Jerry Jones is serious about finding a way to lead the Cowboys back to the Super Bowl.

While it remains to be seen how Ziegler will fare in his new role, there is no denying that his hiring is a major step in the right direction for a team that has been stuck in the middle of the pack for far too long. Ziegler’s experience, talent evaluation, and cap management skills could help transform the Cowboys into a legitimate Super Bowl contender and restore the team to its former glory.

As the Cowboys enter the 2025 offseason, all eyes will be on Ziegler as he begins his work as General Manager. The pressure will be on him to make the right moves, whether it’s in the draft, free agency, or trades, to push the team to the next level. For Cowboys fans, there is a renewed sense of hope that their team may finally be on the path to greatness.

Conclusion

With the hiring of Dave Ziegler as General Manager, the Dallas Cowboys have made a bold and strategic move to reshape their future. Ziegler’s proven track record with the New Orleans Saints in areas like roster management, salary cap flexibility, and talent evaluation makes him an ideal candidate to help turn the Cowboys into a true championship contender. While the road ahead may be long, Ziegler’s leadership could be just what the Cowboys need to break free from their recent playoff struggles and return to the pinnacle of the NFL. For now, the Cowboys are poised for a new era of success, and fans will be watching closely to see what Ziegler can do as the team’s new GM.

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Dallas Cowboys’ Playoff Struggles and the Controversial Hiring of Brian Schottenheimer: Michael Irvin Speaks Out

The Dallas Cowboys’ playoff woes have become a central point of frustration for both the franchise and its passionate fan base. For over two decades, the Cowboys have been stuck in a cycle of playoff disappointments, with each season ending in a familiar feeling of unmet expectations. Despite flashes of brilliance, Dallas has struggled to make a serious championship run, and with each passing year, their failure to break through seems more and more emblematic of a larger, unresolved issue. The latest chapter in this ongoing saga was written when the Cowboys hired Brian Schottenheimer as their new head coach, a move that has left many questioning the direction of the team.

The Long Wait for Success

The Dallas Cowboys last reached the NFC Championship Game in the 1995 season. Since then, the team has consistently underperformed, unable to get past the divisional round or even reach the playoffs in some years. The 2024 season was no exception. Despite a solid roster and high expectations, the Cowboys finished with a disappointing 7-10 record, further fueling the narrative of a franchise stuck in mediocrity.

The question of what is holding the Cowboys back from returning to glory has been at the forefront of conversations among fans and analysts alike. Is it the lack of leadership at the top? Poor coaching? The inability to make key adjustments in high-pressure situations? Or is it simply bad luck? Whatever the reason, the Cowboys’ inability to make a meaningful postseason run in recent years has only deepened the frustration felt by both fans and former players alike.

The Controversial Hiring of Brian Schottenheimer

In a highly anticipated move, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made the decision to hire Brian Schottenheimer as the new head coach of the team. Schottenheimer, who has spent the past three years with the Cowboys, including serving as the offensive coordinator for the last two seasons, was seen as a somewhat surprising choice for the position. Many were expecting a more high-profile candidate to take the reins, with rumors swirling around Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, former head coach Leslie Frazier, and even the team’s current offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore, all being mentioned as potential candidates.

However, it was Schottenheimer who ultimately got the job. The decision has generated mixed reactions among fans and analysts. While some believe Schottenheimer’s familiarity with the team and players will allow him to hit the ground running, others are skeptical, pointing to his previous struggles in leading offenses and his lack of experience in managing a team as a whole. For former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin, the decision to hire Schottenheimer has only deepened his frustration with the franchise.

Michael Irvin Speaks Out

In a candid and impassioned video posted on YouTube, Michael Irvin, one of the most beloved players in Cowboys history, did not hold back his thoughts on the hiring of Schottenheimer and the team’s recent playoff failures. Irvin, who has been a vocal critic of the Cowboys’ recent struggles, expressed his frustration over the lack of progress the team has made since the 1995 season.

“We have two NFC East teams in the NFC Championship game being played tomorrow,” Irvin said in the video. “All eyes on them. The Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders. Our enemies on all fronts… A position that we haven’t held in 30 [expletive] years.”

Irvin’s words resonate with a fan base that has witnessed years of underachievement. The Cowboys’ last NFC Championship appearance was 30 years ago, and since then, the team has failed to make a deep playoff run, leaving fans disillusioned and frustrated. The Eagles and Commanders, two NFC East rivals, are now competing for a Super Bowl berth, further emphasizing the Cowboys’ inability to contend for the biggest prize in football.

Irvin went on to describe his recent struggles with illness, stating, “Everybody’s been tapping me in, trying to get me in a conversation or a quote on it, man. I’ve been hurt, knocked out, I mean literally sick with the flu, and then hit with doo-doo.” His frustration was palpable, as he acknowledged the pain of watching his former team flounder while their rivals thrive.

The State of the Cowboys

Irvin’s outburst highlights the deepening divide between the Cowboys’ once-proud legacy and their current reality. While the franchise has remained one of the most valuable in the NFL, it has failed to turn that financial success into on-field triumphs. The team’s recent playoff failures are a testament to the lack of sustained success, and as the Cowboys continue to fall short year after year, the question of whether the franchise will ever return to its former glory looms large.

The decision to hire Schottenheimer has sparked considerable debate. Some argue that Schottenheimer’s familiarity with the team’s offensive personnel gives him an advantage in getting the most out of the players, while others feel that the Cowboys need a more dynamic and proven leader to break the cycle of mediocrity. Schottenheimer’s previous tenure as the team’s offensive coordinator has been met with mixed reviews, with some pointing to the team’s inability to consistently execute in crucial moments as a major area of concern.

Despite Schottenheimer’s lack of head coaching experience, Jerry Jones appears confident in his ability to lead the Cowboys back to relevance. However, for many, the hiring represents another missed opportunity for the Cowboys to bring in a coach capable of leading the team to a Super Bowl title. As the Cowboys continue to search for answers, one thing is clear: their playoff struggles are far from over.

The Future of the Cowboys

The 2024 season ended in disappointment, but the hiring of Schottenheimer marks a new chapter for the team. Whether or not the Cowboys will be able to break free from their playoff curse remains to be seen. The road to success will not be easy, and the pressure on Schottenheimer will only increase as the 2025 season approaches. Can he turn things around, or will the Cowboys continue to be stuck in a cycle of underachievement?

For now, Cowboys fans can only hope that Schottenheimer’s tenure will be the start of a new era of success. The team’s future hangs in the balance, and with each passing season, the stakes get higher. As the 2025 season draws closer, all eyes will be on Dallas to see if they can finally return to championship contention. But for Michael Irvin and many other former players, the frustration with the team’s inability to take the next step is palpable. Only time will tell if the Cowboys have finally found the right leader to guide them back to glory.

Conclusion

The Dallas Cowboys are a team at a crossroads. With a long history of success but a more recent pattern of playoff disappointments, the franchise faces an uncertain future. The hiring of Brian Schottenheimer as head coach has ignited strong reactions from fans and former players like Michael Irvin, who continue to question the team’s direction. As the Cowboys prepare for the 2025 season, their ability to overcome their playoff failures and return to the top of the NFC will determine whether this franchise can ever return to its former glory or whether they will remain stuck in a cycle of frustration and missed opportunities.