The New Orleans Saints have taken significant steps to fortify their football operations, revealing a slew of strategic in-house maneuvers that reflect the organization’s commitment to excellence. Among the notable promotions is Khai Harley‘s elevation from Vice President of Football Administration to Assistant General Manager/Vice President of Football Operations.
This decision underlines Harley’s extensive 16-year tenure with the Saints and his invaluable contributions to player personnel management, contract negotiations, and cap administration. Having served as a bridge between the NFL Management Council and the NFL Players Association, Harley’s expertise has been a cornerstone of the team’s roster management strategy since 2008.
In tandem with Harley’s promotion, the Saints have reshaped their scouting apparatus. Matt Phillips, a former Combine Scout, has assumed the role of Area Scout, while Scouting Coordinator Will Martinez transitions into the role of Combine Scout.
The team’s scouting team has also expanded to include Scott Kuhn as Director of Football Administration, Zach Stuart as Director of Analytics, Ziad Qubti as College Scouting Coordinator, and Rishi Desai as a scouting assistant. Matt Giordano has joined Head Coach Dennis Allen‘s coaching staff as a defensive assistant, capitalizing on his nine-year NFL playing career and subsequent coaching tenure at Buchanan High School.
Scott Kuhn, who brings with him over two decades of NFL front-office experience, arrives as the Director of Football Administration. Kuhn’s multifaceted role, combining college and pro scouting with analytics, will draw upon his robust 16-season history with the Minnesota Vikings‘ player personnel department. His proficiency in research analysis, project development, and quantitative methods will bolster the Saints’ strategic decision-making process.
The Saints have also tapped into the expertise of Zach Stuart, who steps into the role of Director of Analytics after serving as the analytics coordinator for the New York Jets. Stuart’s background in mathematics and statistics, underscored by a master’s degree from the University of New Mexico, positions him to enhance the Saints’ data-driven approach to player performance evaluation, draft analysis, and on-field enhancement.
This wave of appointments signals the Saints’ meticulous approach to team development, driven by a synergy of seasoned NFL minds and fresh talent. As the franchise enters a new era, these in-house moves project a resolute commitment to shaping a formidable team, both on and off the field.
