The Las Vegas Raiders are pulling a surprising move with their general manager hire.
The Raiders are hiring Tom Telesco as their new GM.
An AFC West jump: Raiders are working to hire former Chargers’ general manager Tom Telesco as their new general manager, per league sources. pic.twitter.com/tRrl0DSwsn
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 23, 2024
Telesco served as the GM of the Chargers from 2013-2023. He was fired along with head coach Brandon Staley in December.
The 51-year-old Telesco has over three decades of executive experience in the NFL. He has hit on major draft picks like Justin Herbert, Joey Bosa, and Keenan Allen. Some of his other moves included trading for Khalil Mack and signing Austin Ekeler as an undrafted free agent.
The Raiders now have a new general manager/head coach combination of Telesco and Antonio Pierce. Pierce had replaced Josh McDaniels as the Raiders’ interim head coach. He went 5-4 as the interim head coach and last week was made the full-time head coach. Telesco replaces Dave Ziegler, who was fired along with McDaniels. Champ Kelly had been serving as the team’s interim GM but now will be replaced by Telesco.
The hiring of Telesco is a surprise for a few reasons. One, he comes from a division rival of the Raiders. And two, it seemed that Kelly might remain in the GM role, but the Raiders have decided to go with Telesco instead.
