Las Vegas Raiders interim general manager Champ Kelly is already garnering praise as one of the rising stars ahead of the 2024 offseason. Maybe he’s the right candidate after all. Well, at least it’s trending in that direction, thus far.
Kelly was thrust into his current role when owner Mark Davis decided he’d seen enough. On Halloween night, he did what so many in Raider Nation clamored for: he fired head coach Josh McDaniels.
The other domino that fell was Dave Ziegler, Kelly’s now-fired predecessor. As part of a historical trio alongside interim coach Antonio Pierce and team president Sandra Douglass Morgan, Kelly is already keeping busy. Still, the question of his long-term future is ever-present. For the time being, Kelly’s name is already on a short list of candidates that’ll receive attention this upcoming offseason.
Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus recently listed his rising stars for general manager openings in 2024. Unsurprisingly, Champ Kelly was near the top of the list.
“Now serving as the Raiders’ interim general manager, Kelly has worked on the pro personnel side for the majority of his NFL career, with a background as a player, coach, contract advisor, and general manager of a United Indoor Football team. While the Raiders’ 2023 draft class is off to a slow start, the team added contributors in wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, linebacker Robert Spillane, safety Marcus Epps, tight end Austin Hooper, and cornerback Marcus Peters, among others, in free agency.”
The fact is, Kelly has worked at nearly every level that you can think of in the football world. A deep understanding of not only how the business aspect works but also that of coaching, analytics, and scouting makes Kelly a modern marvel. He himself made it known that his desire was to have an impact on people. More than that, he’s big on the leadership part. While speaking with The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, Champ Kelly shared that insight.
“I have never chased titles in my life. I have always known I wanted to have an impact and have a purpose of growing leaders. So, whatever role I have been in, that’s always been the focus.”
Sounds like the Raiders might have their man.
*Top Photo: Fox News
