Raiders Part Ways with Assistant GM Champ Kelly Amid Front Office Restructure

HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders have officially parted ways with assistant general manager Champ Kelly, as confirmed by team and league sources on Monday. This decision comes amid a larger restructuring of the team’s front office under the leadership of new General Manager John Spytek.

Kelly, who joined the Raiders in 2022, has spent three seasons with the organization. He was promoted to interim general manager in November 2023 after the team fired former GM Dave Ziegler midseason. His tenure included an interview for the Raiders’ full-time GM position, a role that ultimately went to Tom Telesco during the most recent hiring cycle.

Before his time with the Raiders, Kelly spent six seasons with the Chicago Bears in various scouting roles, including director of pro scouting. He began his NFL career in 2007 as a college scout for the Denver Broncos and ascended through the ranks in scouting and player personnel.

The Raiders’ front office has seen significant changes recently, with Kelly being the third notable departure this month. Senior national scout Dujuan Daniels and director of player personnel JoJo Wooden were both let go earlier this month. Mark Thewes was hired as the new senior vice president of football operations and strategy on February 4.

With Spytek now at the helm, the Raiders are aiming to realign their personnel department, creating more opportunities tailored to the team’s future direction. The decision to part ways with Kelly, while mutually agreed upon, provides Kelly with the chance to explore other GM opportunities, which he has been actively seeking.

According to sources, Kelly interviewed for the Jacksonville Jaguars‘ vacant GM position last week but did not make it to the finalist round. Despite not landing a GM position yet, Kelly is regarded highly within NFL circles, and his experience is likely to open doors for him in other organizations.

“Champ has a wealth of knowledge and experience, and he will undoubtedly land on his feet,” said one NFL executive familiar with his work. “He’s well-respected in the league and has a bright future ahead.”

As the Raiders transition to a new front office structure, they aim to bring in a new assistant GM, building a staff that aligns with Spytek’s vision for the team. Additionally, the organization is preparing to integrate a fresh coaching approach under Pete Carroll, who recently took over as head coach, following the firings of Antonio Pierce and head coach Josh McDaniels.

Kelly’s exit marks a pivotal moment for the Raiders as they refine their strategy ahead of the upcoming season, as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2024 campaign that concluded with a 4-13 record.