The Wisconsin Badgers are saying goodbye to their Assistant Director of Player Personnel, who has been hired in the same role by the Las Vegas Raiders. Zilm is off chasing his dream to work in the NFL. According to Zilm's LinkedIn bio, Zilm has been putting his career in this direction for a few years as it reads, "Aspiring NFL Scout and/or working in Player Personnel." He has now accomplished that goal with this new hire.
For Wisconsin, it's a loss to a key recruiting staffer in a season that they really need a boost. It's bittersweet as they see one of their own who has helped them for the past 2.5 years chase after their dream, but it's a bummer to have to replace such an incredible talent and hard worker.
I’m incredibly grateful and proud to share that I’ve accepted a Player Personnel position with the Las Vegas Raiders! AGTG! Let’s work! 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/v3lNtx5N1S
— Zach Zilm Jr. (@ZachZilmJr) July 20, 2025
Zach Zilm leaves the Badgers to join the Las Vegas Raiders' football operations staff
Zilm is a Wisconsin native who attended Madison East High School and played quarterback at UW-Eau Claire. He was trained and developed by the Badgers, starting in 2023 as a recruiting intern. In a post on X, he expresses gratitude for all that the Badgers have done for him and states that he will also be shouting "On Wisconsin!"
"Wisconsin Football Staff — I can’t put into words how appreciative I am for the opportunity to represent the motion W for the last 2.5 years. You took a chance on a hometown kid with nothing but a dollar & a dream! I will forever be thankful. As always, #OnWisconsin"Zach Zilm
Zilm isn't the only recruiting department loss this offseason. Earlier in the season, Max Stienecker was hired away to be the football general manager at USC. Luke Fickell hired from within by promoting Deputy Athletic Director Marcus Sedberry to Wisconsin's football general manager. It will be interesting to see if Fickell does the same thing with Zilm's now vacant position.