The Los Angeles Chargers made their first step toward revitalizing the franchise by making the high-profile hire of Jim Harbaugh. The next move now involved finding the general manager willing to work with the head coach.
Turns out, the Chargers zeroed in on one of the NFL’s Conference Championship Game participants for that role.
Joe Hortiz Emerges as Top Candidate for Los Angeles Chargers GM
First reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Baltimore Ravens Director of Player Personnel Joe Hortiz became the lead candidate for the Chargers’ open GM position.
Sources: The #Chargers are targeting #Ravens Director of Player Personnel Joe Hortiz as their new GM.
He’ll pair with new coach Jim Harbaugh, once they work out final details. pic.twitter.com/G40esNxbID
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 29, 2024
On Tuesday, the Chargers officially announced they they “got our guy” to lead the GM duties.
got our guy
we’ve agreed to terms with Joe Hortiz to be our general manager » https://t.co/8a4oIeakx8 pic.twitter.com/uqq7M9gOql
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 30, 2024
President of Football Operations John Spanos said in a statement via the Chargers: “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.”
Spanos added: “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 Ozzie Newsome and 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.”
Hortiz will fill in for Tom Telesco, who was fired alongside head coach Brandon Staley following the Chargers’ embarrassing 63-21 loss in Week 14 to the Las Vegas Raiders.
He’s already worked with one Harbaugh in Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. So the transition to this new head coach shouldn’t come with a litany of adjustments.
How Long Has Hortiz Been in an NFL Front Office?
Hortiz will be no stranger to watching front-office decisions or collaborating with head coaches.
The difference is, he’ll be away from Charm City now that his Chargers deal fell through.
MORE: 2024 NFL GM Interview Tracker
He’s spent 26 seasons in Baltimore. He started as a scout for the team before becoming a national scout in 2006. He eventually worked up to the director of college scouting — which he earned in 2009.
Hortiz earned two Super Bowl rings during his time with the Ravens. He was on the 2000 staff that saw Brian Billick lead the team to the Vince Lombardi Trophy when he was a personnel scout. Even when the team transitioned to John Harbaugh, Hortiz stayed in the Ravens’ front office.
But it was with Harbaugh that Hortiz received expanded roles. Along with overseeing the college scouting department from 2009 to 2018, Hortiz was elevated to his soon-to-be previous director of player personnel role in 2019.
Who Were the Notable Players Hortiz Helped Lure to Baltimore?
Hortiz used his set of eyes to identify some future starters and franchise cornerstones. Here’s a list of notable players he helped identify:
- C.J. Mosley: The linebacker was taken 17th overall and immediately became a Pro Bowler.
- Kyle Juszczyk: The Pro Bowl fullback for the San Francisco 49ers started his career in Baltimore through Hortiz.
- Michael Oher: The Pro Bowl offensive tackle was one of Hortiz’s first pre-draft discoveries when he was named director of college scouting.
Now, Hortiz is in a position to inherit a talented L.A. roster featuring Pro Bowlers Justin Herbert at quarterback, Derwin James at safety, and Keenan Allen at wide receiver. However, they’ll have to address a roster that witnessed a 5-12 finish amid playoff expectations. Plus, Hortiz will likely have to figure out the future, involving starting running back Austin Ekeler and edge rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!
