Five candidates that could become the Las Vegas Raiders' next general manager in 2025
It was somewhat of a surprise after the Las Vegas Raiders fired general manager Tom Telesco, the complete opposite of when they fired Dave Ziegler, and everyone saw it coming. So, while they have to find a head coach, as they have also fired Antonio Pierce, they also have to find a new general manager. […]
It was somewhat of a surprise after the Las Vegas Raiders fired general manager Tom Telesco, the complete opposite of when they fired Dave Ziegler, and everyone saw it coming. So, while they have to find a head coach, as they have also fired Antonio Pierce, they also have to find a new general manager.
And, finding the right guy is easier said than done. Something tells me the Raiders will target a guy who hasn't been a GM before but maybe is still at a high role in a front office, like an assistant GM, a Director of Player Personnel, or something of that nature.
The Raiders have already requested to speak with and interview Bucs assistant GM John Spytek, due to his impressive resume, but also his relationship with new minority owner Tom Brady from their days at Michigan. And they have requested to interview Jon-Eric Sullivan, the Green Bay Packers Vice President of Player Personnel.
With both of those two being eliminated from the postseason now, there is a window for the Raiders to interview in person.
But, there are still so many candidates out there left. I have compiled a list of the five candidates that I could see getting this job in 2025.
Ray Agnew – Detroit Lions asst. GM
This guy may be one of the most coveted out there, but it's difficult to interview or get a hold of him because he's in the playoffs, and he could be there for a while, as the Lions are the favorites to make it to the Super Bowl on the NFC side.
Ray Agnew carved out a significant career in the NFL, starting when he was drafted in the first round, 10th overall, by the New England Patriots in 1990.
After retiring from playing, Agnew transitioned into a management role, first serving as the director of pro personnel for the Los Angeles Rams from 2017 to 2020. In 2021, he took up the position of assistant general manager for the Detroit Lions, where he has been instrumental in shaping a roster that has a very good shot at winning the Super Bowl.
The Lions will play the Washington Commanders this weekend.
Mike Borgonzi – Kansas City Chiefs asst. GM
Mike Borgonzi's journey with the Chiefs started in 2009 in the role of college scouting administrator. Over time, he progressed through the ranks, taking on significant roles.
His previous positions include Manager of Football Operations (2010), Pro Personnel Scout (2011-2012), Assistant Director of Pro Scouting (2013-2014), Co-Director of Player Personnel (2015-2016), Director of Player Personnel (2017), and Director of Football Operations (2018-2020).
Borgonzi's promotion to Assistant General Manager came in 2021, where he now manages both the college and professional scouting departments, plays a crucial part in managing the roster, and advises General Manager Brett Veach on player selections through the NFL Draft, free agency, and trades. During his time with the Chiefs, the team has won three Super Bowls and appeared in another.
He's certainly a hot name that multiple teams are wanting.
Terrance Gray – Buffalo Bills Director of Player Personnel
Terrance Gray has occupied this role since 2022. His NFL journey started with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he was involved in player development and personnel from 2003 to 2005. Gray then moved to the Minnesota Vikings for 11 seasons, serving as a college scout and amassing significant experience in talent evaluation. He joined the Bills in 2017 as their Director of College Scouting before advancing through the ranks.
In Buffalo, Gray first took on the role of Assistant Director of Player Personnel in 2020 and was later promoted to his current position. Gray oversees the scouting operations for both college and professional levels, manages free agency, and plays a key role in shaping the team's roster strategy.
He is also a hot name right now, due to some of the success he has had with the Bills during his time in Buffalo. If he doesn't become a general manager during this cycle, I strongly believe he will in the next cycle.
Alec Halaby – Philadelphia Eagles asst. GM
Alec Halaby stepped into this role in 2022 following six years as the Vice President of Football Operations and Strategy. His tenure with the Eagles started in 2007 as an intern in football operations.
Over the years, Halaby climbed the ranks, serving as a player personnel analyst (2010-2011), and special assistant to the general manager (2012-2015), before his elevation to VP of Football Operations and Strategy in 2016.
His contributions have been vital to the Eagles' achievements, notably their Super Bowl LII win in 2017. This is a guy who has been Howie Roseman's right-hand man, and is one of the best GMs in the league. And, that only makes his right-hand man even more of a hot candidate.
John Spytek – Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant GM
John Spytek is one of the candidates the Raiders have already shown interest in. In 2022 when the Raiders needed a new general manager, but brought in Dave Ziegler, they interviewed now Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant GM John Spytek. Now, they are interviewing him again.
His NFL journey started in 2004 with an internship in the operations team at the Detroit Lions. He then moved to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2005, progressing from a pro personnel intern to a college/pro scout.
After his tenure as the Director of College Scouting with the Cleveland Browns from 2010 to 2012, Spytek joined the Denver Broncos in 2013, first as a Southwest area scout and then as a national scout, where he played a part in their Super Bowl 50 triumph.
Since becoming the Director of Player Personnel at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2016, Spytek has had a significant impact on their success, including four consecutive NFC South titles and a Super Bowl victory in 2020.
Las Vegas Raiders are very interested in a familiar face to Tom Brady as their general manager
The Raiders need a general manager soon.
