Days after the Las Vegas Raiders fired head coach Antonio Pierce, the team decided Thursday to part ways with general manager Tom Telesco after one season.
Is that a surprise? For many, yes.
Telesco’s job was deemed safe, but Raiders owner Mark Davis didn’t see it that way.
The team released a statement thanking Telesco for his short contributions, including drafting tight end Brock Bowers, who had a monster season for the 4-13 Raiders.
“We appreciate his efforts in helping build a foundation for the future. We wish Tom and his family all the best,” the statement read.
Telesco did help build a foundation in the short term by adding Bowers with the 13th overall pick. The 2024 NFL Draft for the Raiders also drafted guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (second round) and tackle DJ Glaze (third round), who could bring stability to the offensive line for several years. Both showed promise this season.
The rest of the draft class remains in question, but Telesco hit a home run in the selection of Bowers, who set numerous rookie records this season.
So, why rid of Telesco, who has an apparent knack for NFL Drafts? There is no clear reason the team did so, but Davis made a mistake just like he did with hiring Pierce as the permanent head coach until firing him this week.
It’s no wonder he is seeking input from minority owner Tom Brady on the franchise’s direction. Davis’ decision-making has not gone well since he became the owner after his father, Al Davis, died in 2011.
Since Davis took over, the Raiders have only made it to the playoffs twice (in 2014 and 2021). He has not retained a head coach for more than three seasons.
It’s been a disaster for Las Vegas since Davis took over. His only hope is that Brady’s winning ways will rub off on the Raiders.
Until then, the blame will continue to fall on Davis.
