Tom Telesco to be new Chargers GM

The San Diego Chargers have hired Tom Telesco, the former Indianapolis Colts Vice President of Football Operations, to be the team’s new general manager. Telesco will oversee all aspects of football operations and player personnel decisions for the Chargers.

“We set out to find the right person to bring about positive change for the San Diego Chargers,” said team President Dean Spanos. “It was a tough decision, but in the end, all signs pointed to Tom.  He is highly respected among his NFL peers. His work ethic is extraordinary. He is honest, humble, engaging and an excellent communicator. And, most important, he knows how to build a winning football team."

Telesco, 40, becomes the youngest general manager in Chargers history. His first task: Find a new head coach.

“Now that we have this critical piece in place, our goal is land the right coach to lead the team back to where it belongs: in the playoffs and to a Super Bowl championship,” said Spanos.

Telesco was a part of the decision-making process that brought quarterback Andrew Luck to the Colts with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Luck led the Colts to a record of 11-5 during his rookie season and a berth in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs. The Colts improved from 2-14 to 11-5 in a span of one year as their roster went through a complete overhaul with 36 new players.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to be part of the San Diego Chargers family and the San Diego community,” said Telesco. “I’m grateful to Dean, John (Spanos), Ed McGuire and Ron Wolf for showing faith in me. I spent a lot of time with them and the interview process was extremely thorough and detailed. We discussed every facet of football operations, top to bottom. During the process it became clear that our philosophies and goals are one and the same. I can’t wait to get started.”

By Staff of The Daily Sports Herald and news services