(Henderson) The Las Vegas Raiders hired Tom Telesco as general manager Tuesday, replacing Champ Kelly for the position.
Kelly could still remain with the team as assistant general manager, a position he already had under Dave Ziegler, who was fired on October 31. Kelly was then given the title of interim general manager and he was considered a good candidate to get the full-time position.
Aged 51, Telesco comes from the Los Angeles Chargers, a rival in the Western section of the American Association. He had been the team’s general manager since 2013. The Chargers fired him and head coach Brandon Staley on Dec. 15, one day after suffering a crushing 63-21 loss to the Raiders.
Telesco drafted eight players who were chosen to the Pro Bowl, including quarterback Justin Herbert, receiver Keenan Allen and defensive end Joey Bosa. The Chargers, however, went 86-95 under his tutelage and made the playoffs only three times, without winning a section title.
Telesco hired three first-year coaches and he will be in a familiar position with the Raiders. Antonio Pierce was stripped of the interim title Friday, making him the full-time head coach.
Telesco’s priority will be deciding what to do at quarterback. Rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell became the starter when Pierce took over, and although he led the Raiders to a 5-4 record during that span, his inconsistency created real doubts about his possibility. to become the franchise quarter.
Raiders hold 13e overall pick in the upcoming draft and they will likely be out of reach for a top quarterback, barring a trade.