BREAKING: Las Vegas Raiders hire John Carroll University alumni Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler

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JCU Sports Information Department

Jerry Schuplinski (left), Nick Caserio (middle left), Josh McDaniels (middle right), Dave Ziegler (right) are all JCU alums. The Las Vegas Raiders just announced the hiring of McDaniels and Ziegler

Anna Meyer, Sports Editor
Jan 31, 2022

The impressive John Carroll University pipeline to the National Football League continues to grow. 

After a week of rumors swirling about the potential new hires, on Sunday, Jan. 30, the Las Vegas Raiders finalized a deal with former Blue Streak Dave Ziegler ‘00 ‘07G. 

Only one day later, the Raiders also hired another John Carroll graduate, Josh McDaniels ’99.

With the contract, McDaniels will serve as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2022 NFL season, and Ziegler will serve as the next general manager for the Raiders.

 The Las Vegas Raiders made the news official on Twitter about Ziegler and McDaniels. 

 

With the announcement of the staff changes in Las Vegas, McDaniels and Ziegler will be the only current NFL general manager and head coach combo with a shared alma mater. 

John Carroll alumni Dave Ziegler (top) and Josh McDaniels (bottom) were hired by the Las Vegas Raiders as head coach and general manager (JCU Sports Information Department )

John Carroll now leads the NFL with three general managers: Ziegler (Las Vegas Raiders), Tom Telesco ‘95 (Los Angeles Chargers) and Nick Caserio ’98 (Houston Texans). 

McDaniels has served as Bill Belichick’s assistant with the Patriots since 2012, being a part of six Super Bowl wins. Prior to his second stint with the New England Patriots, McDaniels was the head coach of the Denver Broncos and offensive coordinator of the Rams. 

Ziegler and McDaniels worked together for the past nine years with the New England Patriots as well as for two years with the Denver Broncos. 

The chemistry between McDaniels and Ziegler dates back to their college days in University Heights, where they played as teammates and lived together as roommates. 

From 1995 to 1998, McDaniels was a wide receiver for the Blue Streaks. During his four years with the Blue & Gold, McDaniels left his mark on the program starting all four seasons. 

 

Josh McDaniels (#12) posing for a picture during his time at John Carroll University (JCU Sports Information Department)

Ziegler’s time with the John Carroll Blue Streaks was one of the most memorable careers of all time. As a beast on special teams, Ziegler was unanimously named a Division III All-American for three seasons and garnered three First Team All Ohio Athletic Conference selections. 

Dave Ziegler playing in one of the games for the John Carroll Blue Streaks (JCU Sports Information Department)

After graduation, Ziegler began his coaching career at John Carroll University, which eventually launched him into the NFL, where he worked for the Denver Broncos before heading to the New England Patriots. 

2022 will mark the first time two former John Carroll Football staff members serve as NFL Head Coaches in the same season.  

Former John Carroll Defensive Coordinator Brandon Staley will enter his second season as a head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers after posting a 9-8 record in 2021. 

Anna Meyer is a Senior at John Carroll University and is the Sports Editor of The Carroll News. She can be reached at [email protected] or @ByAnnaMeyer on Twitter.