Tag: general manager

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross (left) talks with general manager Chris Grier before a game in November 2022.

Dolphins, general manager Chris Grier mutually agree to part ways

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Miami Dolphins and general manager Chris Grier mutually have agreed to part ways, the team announced on Friday morning.

The news come hours after Miami fell to 2-7 on the season following a 28-6 setback to the Baltimore Ravens. Multiple reports citing sources indicated the Dolphins will keep head coach Mike McDaniel in his position until the end of the season before ruling on his status.

“As I assessed the state of the team and in my discussions with Chris, it became clear to both of us that change could not wait. We must improve — in 2025, 2026 and beyond — and it needs to start right now,” said Stephen M. Ross, Dolphins chairman of the board/managing general partner.

“Champ Kelly will serve as interim general manager effective immediately, and we will begin our search process for a new general manager. I want to thank Champ for stepping up and his commitment to the Dolphins success this season. There is a lot of football left to play and we all need to fight even harder.”

Kelly, senior personnel executive of the Dolphins, was interim general manager of the Raiders in 2023.

Grier, 55, has served as the Dolphins general manager since 2016. He has been with the team since 2000 when he was hired as a scout.

The Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game since the 2000 season, the longest active drought of any NFL club.

“I have always been and remain committed to building a winning team that consistently competes for championships,” Ross said. ” … our performance on the field and our team-building process have not been good enough. There are no excuses.”

–Field Level Media

Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Steelers sign GM Omar Khan through 2028 season

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The Pittsburgh Steelers signed general manager Omar Khan to a new contract that runs through the 2028 season.

The team announced the contract on Thursday but did not release any financial details.

Khan was named general manager in 2022 but is in his 25th season with the franchise.

“I believe we are building a championship roster and look forward to the 2025 season and beyond as our goals continue to be to bring another Super Bowl to the City of Pittsburgh and our great fans,” Khan said in a team news release.

He has had a busy offseason, adding veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, trading for All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith and navigating the draft. The Steelers selected defensive tackle Derrick Harmon of Oregon with their first-round pick.

“Omar and his team have done a great job over the past three years in constructing our roster through the NFL Draft, strategic trades, and free agency,” Steelers president Art Rooney II said. “We look forward to continuing that trend that will lead to even more success on the field.”

The Steelers currently have 12 selections in the seven-round 2026 NFL Draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh.

Prior to being named general manager, Khan was the team’s vice president of football and business operations. He replaced former GM Kevin Colbert.

The Steelers are coming off back-to-back 10-7 seasons. They lost in the wild-card round of the playoffs both years.

–Field Level Media

Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan fields questions after introducing Liam Coen as the new head coach during a press conference Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Jaguars name Rams’ James Gladstone as new general manager

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Former Los Angeles Rams executive James Gladstone has been hired as the new general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the latter team announced Friday.

At age 34, he’s the youngest current general manager in the NFL.

Gladstone was with the Rams for the past nine seasons, starting as a senior assistant to then-GM Les Snead. He served in multiple roles over the years, including a promotion to be the team’s director of scouting strategy in 2019 before spending the past three seasons as the team’s director of scouting strategy.

The Jaguars picked Gladstone over candidates that included Chicago assistant GM Ian Cunningham, Green Bay VP of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan, San Francisco director of scouting and football operations Josh Williams, and Jaguars interim GM Ethan Waugh.

“James emerged as my choice, and our choice, following a painstaking but energizing interview process that left nothing to doubt,” Jaguars owner Shad Khan said in a statement. “Every candidate delivered, and I am grateful to them all for their preparation and time spent with us this week in Jacksonville. In the end, we found James to be a class ahead and exceptional in every regard — vision, new ideas, communication, chemistry and a keen understanding of the league and our team, to name a few of many virtues he will bring immediately to the Jaguars.”

Gladstone is familiar with the Jaguars’ new head coach, Liam Coen, who worked for the Rams as assistant receivers and assistant QB coach from 2018-20 and as offensive coordinator in 2022.

Gladstone replaces previous general manager Trent Baalke, 60, who mutually parted ways with the Jaguars on Jan. 22. Baalke was with the Jaguars since 2021. Under his watch, the team posted a 25-43 record, including a 4-13 mark this past season under Doug Pederson, who was fired on Jan. 6.

“It’s going to be fun watching James work with our football leadership team of Liam Coen, (executive VP of football operations) Tony Boselli and (chief football strategy officer) Tony Khan, but most of all it will be rewarding. I am confident of that,” Khan said.

–Field Level Media

Sep 8, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee USA; Tennessee Titans general manager Jon Robinson watches practice at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV-Imagn Images

Report: Jets to begin GM interviews

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The New York Jets will kick off their hunt for a new general manager with the first candidate likely to interview this week, ESPN reported Sunday.

Among those expected to interview are former Tennessee Titans GM Jon Robinson and former NFL player Louis Riddick, an ESPN analyst who has front-office experience, per the report.

The job came open Nov. 19 when the Jets fired Joe Douglas. His dismissal followed the firing of head coach Robert Saleh in October, with the Jets 2-3 at the time. New York is 1-7 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich.

Robinson is expected to interview this week with Riddick soon to follow. Because they are not currently employed in the NFL, they are free to interview at any time.

Robinson was the architect of a Titans team that drafted running back Derrick Henry and wide receiver A.J. Brown. Tennessee made the playoffs four times in Robinson’s seven seasons before he surprisingly was fired in December 2022.

Riddick played seven seasons in the NFL and went on to work in the front offices of the Washington and Philadelphia franchises. He has interviewed for at least three NFL general manager openings in the past.

The Jets and Jaguars are set to meet Sunday in Jacksonville in a clash of 3-10 teams.

–Field Level Media

Sep 30, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal and NFL former quarterback Andrew Luck stands on the sidelines during the second quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Stanford football names alum Andrew Luck its GM

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Stanford has done what the Indianapolis Colts couldn’t do. Lure Andrew Luck out of retirement.

The university announced Saturday that Luck has been named the general manager of Stanford football, effective immediately. He will oversee all aspects of the program at his alma mater.

“I am a product of this University, of Nerd Nation; I love this place,” Luck, 35, said in a team news release. “I believe deeply in Stanford’s unique approach to athletics and academics and the opportunity to help drive our program back to the top. Coach (Troy) Taylor has the team pointed in the right direction, and I cannot wait to work with him, the staff, and the best, brightest, and toughest football players in the world.”

Luck was with the Cardinal from 2008-11, leading the team to a 31-7 record as its starting quarterback after taking a redshirt in his first season. Before becoming the No. 1 overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Colts, Luck finished second in Heisman Trophy voting twice (2010-11) and won the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Foundation Player of the Year Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award following the 2011 season.

Indianapolis pushed future Hall of Fame member Peyton Manning aside to make room for Luck, who was a four-time Pro Bowl selection in six seasons before shocking the Colts and retiring just before the 2019 season.

Luck earned his bachelor’s degree in architectural design in 2012 and 11 years later, his master’s in education., from Stanford.

“Andrew Luck exemplifies the Stanford student-athlete,” said Jonathan Levin, Stanford’s president. “I’m excited he’s returning to campus to help lead our football program and ensure that our student-athletes achieve excellence in the changing collegiate athletics environment.”

Luck be counted to work with Taylor, who will enter his third year as head coach in 2025, on recruiting and roster management. In addition, he’ll run much of the business side of things, including fundraising, sponsorships, alumni relations and student-ahtlete support.

“He also brings a deep understanding of the college football landscape and community, and an unparalleled passion for Stanford Football,” athletic director Bernard Muir said. “I could not think of a person better qualified to guide our football program through a continuously evolving landscape, and I am thrilled that Andrew has agreed to join our team. This change represents a very different way of operating our program and competing in an evolving college football landscape.”

Stanford finished the 2024 season on Friday with a 34-31 loss to San Jose State. The Cardinal were 3-9 overall and 2-8 as a first-year member of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

–Field Level Media

Jul 26, 2023; Costa Mesa, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers helmet of long snapper Josh Harris (47) during training camp at Jack Hammet Sports Comples. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers name Joe Hortiz general manager

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The Los Angeles Chargers named Baltimore Ravens personnel director Joe Hortiz as the team’s general manager on Tuesday.

Per the Chargers, Hortiz will oversee all player personnel and scouting matters, including free agency and the NFL draft.

Hortiz, 48, served in his current role with the Ravens since 2019, having worked for the team for 26 years. Baltimore’s head coach since 2008 has been John Harbaugh, the brother of new Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh.

“Joe is one of the most respected player evaluators and personnel minds in the league whose contributions to the Ravens front office over the past two decades cannot be overstated,” John Spanos, the Chargers’ president of football operations, said in a statement.

“When you consider his football IQ, eye for talent, ability to think both short and long term as it pertains to roster construction, organization, thoroughness and ability to be creative within the confines of our collective bargaining agreement, it’s hard not to be excited about the future. Factor in his experience working with two of the best in the business in (former Ravens GM) Ozzie Newsome and (current Ravens GM) Eric DeCosta and the consistency of performance that their teams have achieved, Joe is without a doubt the right person to help Coach Harbaugh and his staff build a team that will make Chargers fans proud.”

Teaming with Newsome and DeCosta, Hortiz helped shape two Super Bowl championship teams and a club that went an NFL-best 13-4 this season before losing to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in the AFC Championship Game.

“When you’ve had the privilege of working with one organization your entire career, something that’s exceedingly rare in our business, the opportunity and fit has to pretty much be perfect to consider a change,” Hortiz said. “This is that opportunity — the Chargers’ brand, the uniforms, foundational building blocks already on the roster, a new training facility, SoFi Stadium and a clear commitment from the Spanos family to dedicating every resource possible towards bringing a Lombardi Trophy home to our fans — it’s all there. Then of course, having known the Harbaugh family for all these years and the chance to continue that special relationship in this new role, I truly could not be more fortunate.”

Tom Telesco was the Chargers’ general manager until Dec. 15, when he and head coach Brandon Staley were fired after a 63-21 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders dropped Los Angeles’ record to 5-9. The Chargers went 0-3 under interim head coach Giff Smith to finish the season.

The Raiders hired Telesco as their general manager last week.

Los Angeles finished 18th in total offense this season (329.4 yards per game), 21st in scoring offense (20.4 points per game), 28th in total defense (362.9 ypg) and 24th in scoring defense (23.4 ppg).

–Field Level Media

Aug 13, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco watches during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Raiders hiring Tom Telesco as GM

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Tom Telesco is staying in the AFC West Division, as the Las Vegas Raiders are preparing to hire the longtime Chargers general manager to the same position, NFL Network and ESPN reported Tuesday.

Telesco, 51, led the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers’ front office from 2013-23 before the franchise dismissed both him and coach Brandon Staley after a disastrous 63-21 loss in Week 15 — to the rival Raiders.

During Telesco’s tenure as GM, the Chargers made the playoffs just three times in 11 seasons and never got past the divisional round, despite working with quarterbacks Philip Rivers and Justin Herbert. The Chargers went 84-92 during his tenure.

The Raiders finished the 2023 season 8-9, three games better than the Chargers (who lost Herbert to a Week 14 injury). Before hiring Telesco, they installed interim coach Antonio Pierce as their full-time boss after Pierce took over midseason for Josh McDaniels.

Telesco replaces David Ziegler, who was fired in November along with McDaniels.

–Field Level Media

Jul 27, 2022; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (7) speaks with the media after day one of training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens WR Rashod Bateman to GM: ‘Stop pointing the finger at us’

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Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman blasted general manager Eric DeCosta’s self-assessment that he hasn’t fared well at the position in recent drafts.

“If I had an answer, that would probably mean I would have some better receivers. … We’re gonna keep swinging,” DeCosta said on Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

“There have been some guys that have been successful players for us that were draft picks. We’ve never really hit on that All-Pro type of guy, which is disappointing, but it’s not for a lack of effort. … It’s one of those anomalies that I really can’t explain, other than to say that we’re not going to stop trying.”

That answer didn’t sit well with Bateman, who took to Twitter on Thursday before later deleting the tweet.

“How bout you play to your player’s strength and & stop pointing the finger at us and #8 (quarterback Lamar Jackson) … blame the one you let do this … we take heat 24/7,” Bateman wrote. “And keep us healthy … care about US & see what happen..ain’t no promises tho … tired of y’all lyin and capn on players for no reason.”

Injuries have played a role in the first two NFL seasons for Bateman, who was selected by the Ravens with the 27th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. He had 46 catches for 515 yards and one touchdown in 12 games during his rookie season, and 15 receptions for 285 yards and two scores in 2022.

Tight end Mark Andrews led the Ravens in catches (73), receiving yards (847) and touchdown receptions (five) last season. Demarcus Robinson led the team’s wide receivers in catches (48) and receiving yards (458), while Devin Duvernay had three touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Nov 6, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Tennessee Titans helmet against the Kansas City Chiefs prior to the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Titans hire Ran Carthon as general manager

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The Tennessee Titans are hiring San Francisco 49ers director of player personnel Ran Carthon to be their next general manager, multiple reports said Tuesday.

Carthon, who turns 42 next month, is a former NFL running back who has also served as a scout for the Atlanta Falcons and director of player personnel for the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams.

Carthon had been with San Francisco since May 2017. He started as the director of pro personnel before being promoted to director of player personnel ahead of the 2021 season.

The Titans began the 2022 season 7-3 before losing their final seven games to bottom out at 7-10 and miss the playoffs. During that slide, they fired general manager Jon Robinson on Dec. 6, 10 months after giving him a contract extension.

Another candidate for Tennessee was its own director of player personnel, Monti Ossenfort, but Ossenfort was hired as the Arizona Cardinals’ general manager on Monday.

Carthon appeared in nine NFL games across 2005 and 2006 for the Indianapolis Colts. He scored two touchdowns among his 16 carries in those games. He played collegiately at Florida.

–Field Level Media

Sep 11, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view od Arizona Cardinals helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals hire Titans’ Monti Ossenfort as new general manager

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Arizona Cardinals tapped Monti Ossenfort as their new general manager on Monday.

Ossenfort was the Tennessee Titans’ director of player personnel for the past three seasons. Before that, he worked in scouting for the New England Patriots for 15 seasons and the Houston Texans for two.

Arizona had a vacancy after longtime GM Steve Keim stepped down last week. Keim had signed a contract extension last spring but needed to take time away from the team in December due to health concerns.

The Cardinals also fired coach Kliff Kingsbury this month, and Ossenfort’s first task will be to work with owner Michael Bidwill on hiring his replacement.

“It was critically important for us to find the right person to lead us as General Manager and there is no doubt in my mind that we have that in Monti Ossenfort,” Bidwill said in a statement. “He possesses every attribute of a successful GM — passion, leadership, intelligence, work ethic — and his extensive experience has clearly prepared him for this role. We could not be more thrilled to have Monti and his family joining the Cardinals.”

Ossenfort also interviewed for the Titans’ own GM vacancy, created when they fired Jon Robinson in December.

–Field Level Media