The Las Vegas Raiders fired general manager Tom Telesco on Thursday, two days after relieving head coach Antonio Pierce of his duties.
The Raiders announced Pierce's firing on Tuesday, but there had been silence on Telesco's status, leading some to believe his job might be safe. After mulling the decision a few more days, however, the Raiders made Telesco's firing official.
"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."
The Raiders hired Telesco as their GM less than a year ago. He had been fired by the Los Angeles Chargers partway through the 2023 season after spending the previous 11 years there as their general manager.
Now, with Pierce and Telesco out following a 4-13 season, the Raiders will pair a new head coach and GM together. It's a big offseason for the franchise, and new minority owner Tom Brady is expected to have a voice in the direction of the team, along with primary owner Mark Davis.
Quarterback also figures to be a primary target this offseason, allowing the team to install a new GM-head coach duo prior to figuring out who best should man that position. In addition to the more than $100 million in salary-cap space the team will have to spend in free agency, the Raiders also possess notable draft assets. They are currently slated to select sixth overall in the 2025 Draft and are expected to receive an additional third-round selection from the Davante Adams trade.
The Raiders have had just two winning seasons and two postseason appearances since losing Super Bowl XXXVII following the 2022 season. Since 2012, they've had three different general managers and seven different head coaches, counting those who held the title on an interim basis.
