Chargers News: Bolts Former GM Lands Second Interview With AFC West Rival

Former Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco is set to interview with the Las Vegas Raiders' vacant GM position for the second time, via Vic Tafur of The Athletic.

After a decade with the Chargers, Telesco and former Chargers head coach Brandon Staley following a disastrous 63-21 loss to the Raiders. During his run with the Chargers from 2013 to 2023, Telesco played an integral role in drafting Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen, Joey Bosa, and Rashawn Slater. He also helped bring in key players like Khalil Mack and cornerback Casey Hayward during his tenure.

Unfortunately, this wasn't enough to offset the mistakes or lead the Chargers to sustained success. The Chargers were unable to win an AFC West division title during his ten-year run, and need to build a team that can overtake the Kansas City Chiefs. They also need to maximize Justin Herbert's prime before it's too late.

While it didn't work out with the Chargers, Telesco has a second chance since he is in the mix to become the Raiders' next GM. Like the Chargers, the Raiders fired their GM midseason when they decided to let go of both Dave Ziegler and Josh McDaniels. If Telesco does win the Raiders GM job, he will be working with new Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce. Pierce became the Raiders' interim head coach after the McDaniels firing and did a great job at winning over the locker room. 

However, this second interview is no guarantee or confirmation that Telesco will become the Raiders' next GM. Telesco is the third candidate who has earned a second interview for the position, after Raiders interim GM Champ Kelly and Indianapolis Colts assistant GM Ed Dodds. 

Kelly has been with the team since 2022 and of course already has a relationship with Pierce and the rest of the Raiders, while Dodds is one of the most respected GM candidates across the NFL. Dodds is also a candidate for the Chargers GM vacancy, where he interviewed recently.