Champ Kelly's Presence Still Valuable to the Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders decided to hire Tom Telesco as their new general manager. The presence of Champ Kelly, however, is still a valuable asset to the Raiders.

The Las Vegas Raiders promoted Champ Kelly to Interim General manager after firing former General Manager Dave Ziegler and former Coach Josh McDaniels last Halloween. 

The Raiders would end the season 5-4 under Kelly and now-permanent Coach Antonio Pierce. 

While Kelly and the Raiders weren't in the position to make many moves, as Kelly's promotion came after the trade deadline, the Raiders were able to bring in a notable addition in cornerback Jack Jones. 

The Raiders eventually decided to hire former Los Angeles Chargers General Manager Tom Telesco as their general manager.

However, even with the addition of Telesco in the general manager position,  Kelly still adds immense value to the Raiders' front office and remains with the team as their assistant general manager. 

Kelly is well-respected around the National Football League and by Raiders owner Mark Davis, even though Davis decided to hire Telesco instead of Kelly for the general manager position.

"I think he brings a lot to this organization," Davis said."I have a lot of respect for him, and he what was able to do." 

The Las Vegas Raiders still have a valuable asset in Assistant General Manager Champ Kelly / Darrell Craig Harris, Raiders Today

While Telesco has the experience that Kelly doesn't have, Kelly is familiar with the Raider roster's inner workings in a way that Telesco is not. 

Although Telesco brings a new perspective the team could use, along with many years of experience, Kelly has a connection with this roster that cannot be replaced. 

Kelly has years of experience finding talent and will continue to help the Raiders in that department, albeit with a different title than he might have hoped for. 

So, Kelly will continue to provide Las Vegas with a keen eye for talent and bridge between the Raiders of the previous few seasons and the seasons to come.

Kelly will one day get his chance to be the general manager of an NFL team. For now, the Raiders move forward with the Telesco and Kelly combination in their front office. 

In addition, Kelly was in attendance when Telesco was announced as the general manager. It is a fitting start to what looks to be a potentially strong partnership. It will be up to them to make the additions and subtractions necessary to help the Raiders return to playoff contention. 

From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr, and never miss another breaking news story again. Sign up RIGHT HERE for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes thrice a week and delivers all our best stories.

Please tell us your thoughts when you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.