The revolving door in the Las Vegas Raiders front office continues to spin. A source confirmed to ESPN on Monday that assistant general manager Champ Kelly is out after three seasons with the silver and black. Kelly’s departure marks the latest in a series of executive shakeups for a Raiders organization still seeking stability and success in the post-Jon Gruden era.
From Interim GM to Odd Man Out
Champ Kelly joined the Raiders in 2022 after rising through the scouting ranks with the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears. His tenure in Las Vegas took a surprising turn last season when he assumed interim GM duties after the team and then-GM Dave Ziegler parted ways midseason.
While Kelly helped guide the ship through choppy waters, it appears his long-term fit with the Raiders was not meant to be. The team is moving in a new direction under head coach Josh McDaniels, who will enter his second season at the helm in 2025.
Jaguars Come Calling
News of Kelly’s apparent exit comes on the heels of his recent interview for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ vacant GM position. The Jaguars, like the Raiders, find themselves in transition after the midseason firing of Urban Meyer torpedoed their 2023 campaign.
It remains to be seen whether Kelly lands in Jacksonville or elsewhere, but his experience and highly-regarded scouting acumen should generate interest around the league. He cut his teeth as a college scout with the Broncos before climbing the ladder to director of pro scouting and assistant director of player personnel with the Bears.
What’s Next for the Raiders?
As for the Raiders, the search for stability continues. Since Jon Gruden’s unceremonious exit in 2022, the team has cycled through multiple head coaches and general managers in pursuit of a winning formula.
The Raiders organization has undergone significant change in recent years, both on and off the field. Champ Kelly’s departure is the latest reminder that rebuilding a winning culture takes time and often involves difficult personnel decisions.
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport
Josh McDaniels now faces the challenge of reshaping the roster to fit his vision without his top lieutenant in the front office. The pressure is on to deliver results after a disappointing first season at the helm.
Key Takeaways
- Champ Kelly out as Raiders assistant GM after three seasons
- Kelly served as interim GM in 2023 after midseason front office shakeup
- Raiders still seeking stability and success under Josh McDaniels regime
- Kelly generating interest for vacant GM jobs, including with Jaguars
As the NFL offseason kicks into high gear, expect more dominoes to fall in front offices and coaching staffs across the league. For the Raiders and Champ Kelly, the future holds both uncertainty and opportunity in the wake of their amicable parting of ways.
