Chargers News: LA Requests Interview With New Orleans Exec For GM Opening
The 2024 Bolts offseason is set to be arguably the biggest in franchise history, as there's no time left to waste with star quarterback Justin Herbert, and securing a top-tier coach and general manager could very easily be long-term game changers for the organization.
The names that have already come up include Buffalo Bills and New York Giants executives, but a new potential hire hails from one of the better front offices in the league: the New Orleans Saints.
Ireland, 53, already served as a general manager back in Miami from 2008-2013. Since 2015, he's been the Saints' Assistant GM and Director of College Scouting, doing a terrific job in the process.
In 2016, the Saints selected Michael Thomas, David Onyemata, and Vonn Bell – 3 key contributors to their time spent from 2017-2020 as arguably the best roster in the NFL.
In 2017, they had one of the best drafts of all time, snagging Marshon Lattimore, Ryan Ramczyk, Marcus Williams, Alvin Kamara, and Trey Hendrickson, 5 players who have all spent time as top-10 players in the league at their position – if not top 5.
Ireland along with GM Mickey Loomis also played an integral role in the overall building, retention, and modification of one of the best rosters I've ever seen, with talent everywhere in the locker room ranging from Drew Brees, Terron Armstead, Mark Ingram, Andrus Peat, and Kamara/Thomas offensively, to Cam Jordan, Lattimore, Williams, Demario Davis, Hendrickson, Malcolm Jenkins, and more on the defensive side of the ball.
He had some mediocre years with the Dolphins, but the Chargers have pieces to build around, highlighted by Justin Herbert and Rashawn Slater. There's no guarantee that Ireland could replicate his success in New Orleans with the Bolts, but he at least has a lengthy track record of doing everything right.
