Patriots’ Dave Ziegler Made Decision on Broncos GM Possible Job

The New England Patriots lost now-former director of players personnel Nick Caserio to the Houston Texans. Caserio accepted Houston’s offer and became their general manager. Head coach Bill Belichick addressed Caserio’s departure, and the latter thanked Belichick in his introductory press conference. The Patriots were on the verge of losing another member of the front office. Dave Ziegler interviewed with the Denver Broncos for their general manager vacancy. It looks like Ziegler has made a decision on his future in the NFL.

Ian Rapoport from NFL Media reported that Ziegler stepped back from the Broncos’ general manager search. He is staying in New England.

“Bill Belichick and the (Patriots) organization has committed to Ziegler’s future,” Rapoport wrote on Twitter, “and Ziegler has committed to NE.”

Sources: #Patriots assistant director of player personnel Dave Ziegler is withdrawing his name from the #Broncos GM search to remain in New England. Bill Belichick and the organization has committed to Ziegler’s future, and Ziegler has committed to NE.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 10, 2021

Dave Ziegler passes on the Denver Broncos

Ziegler interviewed with the Broncos on Saturday. He spent the last eight seasons in New England. First, he was assistant director of pro scouting between 2013 and 2015 and then became director of pro personnel. He kept this position from 2016 to 2019. Ziegler took his current role with the team last offseason.

Caserio was Belichick’s top assistant from 2008 through the end of 2020. The Patriots finished the season with a 7-9 record. This was the team’s first losing record since 2000.

Recent reports suggest that Belichick and Ziegler did talk about the whole situation. This conversation affected his thoughts and Ziegler decided to stay in New England. Of course, Belichick didn’t promise Ziegler he’ll replace Caserio. However, he is definitely in a good position.

“Belichick couldn’t promise Ziegler he’s replace Nick Caserio — the Rooney Rule mandates a process — but it’s fair to say he’s well-positioned,” The MMQB’s Albert Breer reported.

Ziegler and Patriots coach Bill Belichick had a conversation this AM, which led to Ziegler's decision to withdraw from the Broncos GM search. Belichick couldn't promise Ziegler he'd replace Nick Caserio—the Rooney Rule mandates a process—but it's fair to say he's well-positioned. https://t.co/cZqs8ISByO

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 10, 2021

Caserio left the Patriots after his long years with the team. He is off to a bigger future in the NFL. Being a general manager is a big deal for pretty much everyone in the league.

The Patriots will have a long offseason, and they have to address some of the issues. The team needs to get receivers, tight ends, and of course, a quarterback. Belichick has to find a replacement for Cam Newton. If Newton stays, Belichick will have to give him enough weapons.