HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders made significant changes to their organization on Thursday by parting ways with general manager Tom Telesco, just two days following the dismissal of coach Antonio Pierce. These decisions come after a disappointing season in which the Raiders finished with a record of 4-13.
The Raiders acknowledged Telesco’s efforts in establishing a future framework in an official statement, wishing him and his family well. With these latest changes, the franchise is set to become only the second team in the Super Bowl era to start a season with both a new head coach and general manager for three consecutive years. The most recent example of this was the Cleveland Browns, who experienced a similar situation from 2012 to 2014.
Owner Mark Davis previously indicated that Telesco and Pierce would be evaluated separately, making Telesco’s departure somewhat unexpected. He had a notable performance during the April draft, where he secured an Offensive Rookie of the Year contender in Brock Bowers along with two starting offensive linemen. However, Telesco was criticized for not securing a franchise-level quarterback, opting instead for Gardner Minshew, a journeyman, who signed a two-year deal worth $25 million. Minshew initially won the starting position during training camp but eventually lost it to rookie Aidan O’Connell after five weeks.
The degree to which Telesco was accountable for these quarterback issues remains unclear, as the six top quarterback prospects were already selected before the Raiders’ pick at 13. Additionally, Telesco has not been known for making aggressive trades on draft day, leaving the Raiders stagnant in their decision-making.
Moving forward, minority owner Tom Brady is anticipated to play a more influential role in the team’s operations. Telesco joined the Raiders after being dismissed from the Los Angeles Chargers, where he had a lengthy 11-year tenure.
Both Telesco and Pierce joined the Raiders organization around the same time, but Pierce had already been with the team as an interim coach prior to his promotion to full-time head coach after finishing the 2023 season with a 5-4 record.
As the Raiders conduct two simultaneous searches for a new head coach and general manager, the possibility of selecting complementary hires increases. This approach may align with candidates looking for a package deal, promoting a harmonious relationship between the new leadership.
The Raiders quickly moved to explore coaching prospects, having requested interviews with several candidates, including Detroit Lions coordinators Aaron Glenn for defense and Ben Johnson for offense, along with Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Additionally, former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh and Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken have entered the list of potential interviewees. Reports also indicate that former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is scheduled to conduct interviews next week after having spoken with the Chicago Bears.
Carroll, 73, had a productive run from 2010 to 2023 with the Seahawks, boasting a record of 137-89, winning one Super Bowl and reaching another, in addition to claiming a national championship at Southern California.
Saleh took charge of the Jets in 2021, recording a 20-36 record before his firing five weeks into the current season. Questions arose about his rapport with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and a slow start of 2-3 didn’t favor his standing with owner Woody Johnson. Following Saleh’s departure, the Jets struggled further, going 3-9 under subsequent leadership, highlighting the defensive impact he had during his time.
Monken is in his second season with the Ravens as the offensive coordinator, guiding quarterback Lamar Jackson, who was the league MVP last season and a candidate again this year. Under his guidance, the Ravens topped the NFL this season with 424.9 yards per game while averaging 30.5 points, showing consistent offensive prowess. Last year’s numbers also placed the Ravens in the top six in both statistics.
