Dave Sears is in his first season with the Cardinals and 27th in the NFL after being hired as Arizona's Assistant General Manager in January, 2023.
Sears came to Arizona after spending the past 16 seasons with Detroit, including the previous four years (2019-22) as the Lions director of college scouting. He joined the Lions in May, 2007 as a regional scout and spent 10 years in that role until he was elevated to assistant director of college in 2017 where he spent the following two seasons (2017-18).
In his current role with the Cardinals, his duties include evaluating the top college prospects nationally as well as the organization and implementation of the draft process. Sears oversees the pro personnel department which includes player acquisition, evaluation and assisting with player contract negotiations.
Detroit's 2022 NFL Draft class made an immediate impact for the Lions last season. The group combined to lead all NFL rookies in sacks (18.5), tackles for loss (24), QB pressures (87) and QB hurries (55) while finishing second in interceptions (six).
Before working with the Lions, Sears spent seven seasons (2000-06) as a scout with the Houston Texans where he worked with Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort for three seasons (2002; 2004-05).
Prior to his time in Houston, Sears worked three seasons (1997-99) with the Washington Commanders scouting department. He started with Washington as an intern in January, 1997 and was hired as a scouting administrator before being promoted as the Commanders BLESTO scout in May, 1998. Sears also spent time as an intern with the Springfield Falcons in the American Hockey League.
Sears earned a bachelor's degree in Sports Management from Springfield (MA) College and was a four-year linebacker on the football team. He attended Hauppauge (NY) High School and lettered in football, basketball and lacrosse. Sears has a daughter, Delaine.