After being let go by the Los Angeles Chargers last December, longtime general manager Tom Telesco found himself with some unexpected free time. To keep busy, he helped coach defensive backs for his son’s high school team and even dipped his toes into social media by creating an account on X to connect with fans. But Telesco’s hiatus from football was short-lived, as he was quickly scooped up by the Las Vegas Raiders to serve as a personnel executive alongside head coach Antonio Pierce, who took over the team mid-season last year and led them to a surprising 5-4 record.
Now, as the Raiders kick off training camp, Telesco finds himself back in familiar territory, watching practice at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa. This year, the Raiders are one of five NFL teams holding camp in the Los Angeles area, taking over the Chargers’ former training camp location. Despite the proximity to his family, Telesco knows that once the season starts, he’ll be fully immersed in his new role with the Raiders.
Telesco expressed no reservations about joining an AFC West rival after his departure from the Chargers, acknowledging the nature of the business and the opportunity presented by the Raiders. With a rich history and a football-centric culture, Telesco is excited to be a part of an organization with high standards and a strong alumni network.
One of the key decisions facing Telesco and Pierce this season is the quarterback competition between Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew. Minshew, a seasoned veteran, brings experience and leadership to the table, while O’Connell, a promising young talent, has shown poise and potential despite facing challenges in his rookie year. Telesco emphasized the importance of off-field preparation for quarterbacks, highlighting the significance of film study, playbook knowledge, and in-game decision-making.
Working closely with Pierce, Telesco values the head coach’s leadership qualities and attention to detail. Pierce’s vision for the team’s identity and his effective management of day-to-day operations have been instrumental in shaping the Raiders’ direction. Additionally, Telesco defended the decision to draft tight end Brock Bowers in the first round, citing the team’s need to secure foundational talent and enhance their offensive capabilities.
Looking ahead, Telesco recognizes the challenges that lie ahead for the Raiders in a competitive division led by the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. With the goal of building a cohesive and competitive team, Telesco stresses the importance of a collective effort and continuous improvement. Despite facing formidable opponents like Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, Telesco remains optimistic about the Raiders’ prospects and the potential for success in the upcoming season.
As the Raiders gear up for the season ahead, the combination of seasoned veterans, promising young talent, and strong leadership under Telesco and Pierce sets the stage for an exciting and competitive campaign. With a focus on preparation, teamwork, and determination, the Raiders aim to make their mark in the AFC West and prove themselves as formidable contenders in the league.