Las Vegas Raiders fire GM Tom Telesco

The Las Vegas Raiders announced they have fired general manager Tom Telesco. This comes shortly after the team relieved head coach Antonio Pierce of his duties.

“The Las Vegas Raiders have relieved Tom Telesco of his duties as General Manager,” the team said in a statement. “We appreciate his efforts in helping build a foundation for the future. We wish Tom and his family all the best.”

Dianna Russini, NFL insider for The Athletic, explained why the Raiders fired Telesco. “From what I was told, Telesco was fired mostly because ownership seems to prefer having the general manager and head coach more connected—like a cohesive partnership—rather than something that feels more arranged or forced,” Russini wrote on X. “[Tom] Brady has lots of influence in Las Vegas.”

More on the Raiders firing Tom Telesco

Telesco, 52, just finished his first season as the Raiders’ general manager after spending 11 seasons as the GM of the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. The team finished 4-13 due to an inconsistent quarterback situation. Telesco signed Gardner Minshew to a two-year, $25 million contract. Minshew began the season as the Raiders’ starting QB but was benched for Aidan O’Connell after five games. Minshew and O’Connell dealt with injuries throughout the year, which led to the Raiders starting Desmond Ridder.

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Telesco was GM of the Chargers from 2013 to 2023. During that time, the Chargers never won the AFC West and reached the playoffs three times (2013, 2018 and 2022). He was fired from the position in December of 2023 along with head coach Brandon Staley.

“I want to thank Tom and Brandon for their hard work, dedication and professionalism, and wish both them and their great families nothing but the best,” Chargers Owner and Chairman of the Board Dean Spanos said at the time. “These decisions are never easy, nor are they something I take lightly — especially when you consider the number of people they impact. We are clearly not where we expect to be, however, and we need new vision. Doing nothing in the name of continuity was not a risk I was willing to take. Our fans have stood strong through so many ups and downs and close games. They deserve more. Frankly, they’ve earned more.