The Las Vegas Raiders have a new general manager. It’s about as shocking as it gets, too.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Vegas has hired former Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco for the same role in Southern Nevada.
Telesco, 51, joined Chargers head coach Brandon Staley in being fired this past season after 11 years with the organization. He had become an embattled figure in Southern California with the Chargers earning just three playoff appearances while winning five games or less a total of four times.
Telesco has a whole host of experience within NFL front offices. In addition to being the Chargers’ general manager from 2013-23, he served in different roles with the Indianapolis Colts (2001-12), Carolina Panthers (1995-97) and Buffalo Bills (1991-94).
Apparently, the Raiders’ brass valued that with inexperienced interim head coach Antonio Pierce taking the full-time role.
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Either way, this move is unlikely to sit well with Raider Nation. Interim general manager Champ Kelly was seen as the favorite to take over the full-time role after sitting in on head coach interviews throughout the process. Indianapolis Colts assistant general manager Ed Dodds was also seen as a finalist to land the job.
