The Badgers are losing a key member of their recruiting staff to the NFL.
In an offseason of change, the Wisconsin Badgers are losing another key recruiting staffer.
Assistant Director of Player Personnel Zach Zilm Jr. announced that he’s accepted a Player Personnel role with the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving the Badgers after 2.5 years.
“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,” Zilm wrote in a post. “You took a chance on a hometown kid with nothing but a dollar & a dream! I will forever be thankful. As always, #OnWisconsin.”
Zilm, a native of Wisconsin, had been a fast riser in Wisconsin’s recruiting department since joining as a recruiting intern in 2023. A former quarterback at UW-Eau Claire, Zilm received several promotions as a part of the Badgers staff, moving to recruiting analyst before being named the Assistant Director of Player Personnel in April of 2024.
Zilm was an integral piece of the recruiting equation for Wisconsin behind the scenes, and was up there with Director of Recruiting Pat Lambert as one of the most important members of the Personnel department.
Wisconsin has lost a few key staffers this offseason, as General Manager Max Stienecker left for an executive role with the USC Trojans back in February.
They’ve brought in some new faces as a result, hiring North Texas recruiting staffer Ethan Russo as their new Director of Player Personnel, while promoting Marcus Sedberry to General Manager to handle the business side of the evolving sport.
Now, they may need to make another key addition, with Zilm heading to the NFL in a well-deserved move.