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Jeff Ireland, the New Orleans Saints' assistant general manager, had a banner year in 2017.

As college scouting director, he runs the Saints' draft preparation, and the team last season had one of the most productive rookie classes in NFL history, a group that included AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Alvin Kamara and AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Marshon Lattimore.



Ireland has been with the Saints for the past three drafts, and the team's rookie classes have gotten better each year. So it stands to reason that Ireland, who was general manager of the Miami Dolphins from 2008-13, could soon be rewarded with another opportunity to be a GM in the NFL.

Ireland, who works as the No. 2 to longtime General Manager Mickey Loomis, said he "absolutely" hopes to have the top job with an NFL franchise again. But he also said he is in no rush to leave a Saints team with a bright future.

"I'm not in a hurry," Ireland said Wednesday at the NFL combine. "I told myself when I got to New Orleans that I was going to help this team build. I'd have to really think twice about leaving the New Orleans Saints before we win a Super Bowl, but sometimes those jobs come and you can't turn them down.


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