Las Vegas Raiders Fire GM Tom Telesco After Dismal Season \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Las Vegas Raiders fired general manager Tom Telesco just days after dismissing head coach Antonio Pierce, following a disappointing 4-13 season. Despite Telesco’s strong draft picks, his inability to secure a franchise quarterback contributed to his dismissal. The Raiders now face dual searches for a GM and coach, potentially as a package deal.
Raiders’ Leadership Overhaul: Quick Looks
- GM and Coach Fired: Tom Telesco and Antonio Pierce dismissed after a 4-13 season.
- Three Straight Years: Raiders will start their third consecutive season with new leadership.
- QB Dilemma: Telesco criticized for failing to draft or sign a franchise quarterback.
- Tom Brady’s Role: Minority owner expected to have more input in football operations.
- Coaching Candidates: Raiders request interviews with coordinators and former Jets coach Robert Saleh.
Deep Look
Raiders Fire GM Tom Telesco as Leadership Overhaul Signals Major Reset
The Las Vegas Raiders, coming off a disastrous 4-13 season, made sweeping changes to their leadership this week, firing general manager Tom Telesco on Thursday, just two days after dismissing head coach Antonio Pierce. This marks the third consecutive year the Raiders will begin a season with a new general manager and head coach—a troubling sign for a franchise struggling to establish stability in the highly competitive NFL.
A Struggling Franchise Searches for Direction
Owner Mark Davis had pledged to evaluate Telesco and Pierce separately, but the decision to fire both reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the team’s direction. The Raiders have faced consistent challenges in assembling a competitive roster and coaching staff, leading to poor performances and diminishing fan confidence.
In NFL history, only the Cleveland Browns (2012-2014) have similarly cycled through new leadership three seasons in a row. For the Raiders, this pattern underscores a franchise in desperate need of a reset to compete in the AFC West, home to powerhouses like the Kansas City Chiefs.
Telesco’s Tenure: Promising Draft, but No Franchise Quarterback
Tom Telesco’s tenure as GM was brief but not without merit. Hired after an 11-year run with the Los Angeles Chargers, Telesco delivered a strong 2023 draft class, headlined by tight end Brock Bowers, an AP Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate, and two starting offensive linemen. These moves were seen as crucial steps in building a sustainable roster.
However, Telesco’s inability to secure a franchise quarterback overshadowed his draft success. With Derek Carr departing in the offseason, the Raiders entered 2023 without a long-term solution under center. Telesco signed journeyman Gardner Minshew to a two-year, $25 million deal, but Minshew quickly lost the starting job to rookie Aidan O’Connell after just five weeks.
Critics argue that Telesco’s conservative approach to draft-day trades left the Raiders stuck at the No. 13 pick, where the top six quarterbacks were already off the board. While the lack of available talent wasn’t entirely Telesco’s fault, his history of avoiding bold draft-day moves may have contributed to the Raiders’ stagnation.
Minority Owner Tom Brady’s Role
The Raiders’ next chapter is expected to include greater input from minority owner Tom Brady, whose experience and leadership could help guide the franchise through this critical period. Brady’s influence may extend to personnel decisions, shaping both the search for a new GM and the team’s overall strategic direction.
Head Coach Search Underway
The Raiders wasted no time initiating their search for a new head coach, submitting interview requests for several high-profile candidates. Among those targeted are:
- Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator
- Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator
- Steve Spagnuolo, Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator
- Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator
- Robert Saleh, former New York Jets head coach
Spotlight on Coaching Candidates
Robert Saleh: Defensive Expertise with a Mixed Record
Robert Saleh, who led the New York Jets from 2021 until his firing five games into the 2023 season, is a standout candidate for his defensive prowess. Under Saleh’s guidance, the Jets’ defense allowed just 255.8 yards and 17 points per game in his final five games. However, tensions with quarterback Aaron Rodgers and a 2-3 start led to his dismissal.
Despite Saleh’s firing, his defensive impact is undeniable. After his departure, the Jets’ defense faltered, allowing 337.9 yards and 26.6 points per game. Saleh’s ability to develop elite defenses could be a key asset for a Raiders team looking to rebuild its identity.
Todd Monken: Offensive Visionary
As the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, Todd Monken has overseen one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses. Under his leadership, the Ravens led the league in total yards per game (424.9) and ranked third in scoring (30.5 points per game) during the 2023 season.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson has thrived under Monken, earning league MVP honors in 2022 and emerging as a strong candidate again this year. Monken’s offensive acumen could provide the Raiders with a much-needed boost, especially as they seek to develop their next franchise quarterback.
Internal and External Dynamics
The Raiders may also consider package deals for head coach and GM roles, allowing coaching candidates to bring in trusted personnel for key front-office positions. This approach could foster a unified vision for rebuilding the team.
Challenges Ahead
The Raiders’ dual search for a GM and head coach underscores the magnitude of their organizational challenges. Owner Mark Davis must balance the urgency of improving on-field performance with the long-term vision of creating a sustainable, competitive franchise.
Key priorities for the new leadership will include:
- Finding a Franchise Quarterback: Addressing the most glaring hole on the roster.
- Building Defensive Consistency: Creating a defense capable of competing in the AFC West.
- Restoring Fan Confidence: Demonstrating a commitment to stability and excellence.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
The Raiders’ recent history of leadership turnover has left the franchise in a precarious position. While Tom Telesco’s departure marks the end of another short-lived era, the team has an opportunity to pivot toward a brighter future.
The upcoming hires of a GM and head coach will be among the most consequential decisions in the franchise’s history. With the influence of Tom Brady and a pool of experienced candidates, the Raiders have the tools to rebuild—but only if they make the right choices.
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