GOOD NEWS: Raiders hire Buccaneers’ John Spytek as new GM

HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders are finalizing a deal to hire Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant general manager John Spytek as their new GM, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday.

Spytek, 44, will be the Raiders’ fifth GM, including interims, since the team relocated to Las Vegas from Oakland in 2020, following Mike Mayock, Dave Ziegler, Champ Kelly and Tom Telesco.

Among Spytek’s first assignments will be hiring a new coach. The Raiders have already interviewed, either in person or virtually, Pete Carroll, Ron Rivera, Robert Saleh and Vance Joseph, as well as Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. The Raiders have also been linked to Todd Monken. Johnson and Glenn have since been hired as the head coaches of the Chicago Bears and New York Jets, respectively.

The Las Vegas Raiders are set to appoint John Spytek, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ assistant general manager, as their new GM.

This decision marks a significant move for the Raiders, who are undergoing substantial leadership changes.

Background and Experience

John Spytek, 44, brings nearly two decades of NFL scouting and executive experience to the Raiders. His career commenced in 2004 as an operations intern with the Detroit Lions. He then held scouting roles with the Philadelphia Eagles (2005-2009), Cleveland Browns (2010-2012), and Denver Broncos (2013-2015). In 2016, Spytek joined the Buccaneers, eventually becoming the assistant general manager in 2023. During his tenure in Tampa Bay, he contributed to the team’s Super Bowl victory in the 2020 season.

Connection with Tom Brady

Spytek shares a notable history with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady. Both were at the University of Michigan in 1999, with Spytek as a freshman linebacker and Brady as the starting quarterback. Their professional paths crossed again in Tampa Bay, culminating in a Super Bowl win during Brady’s first season with the Buccaneers.

Raiders’ Recent Leadership Changes

The Raiders’ decision to hire Spytek follows the firing of former GM Tom Telesco after a disappointing 4-13 season. This marks the third general manager change for the franchise in as many years. Additionally, the team parted ways with head coach Antonio Pierce, initiating the search for their eighth head coach since 2012.

Team Outlook

Spytek inherits a team with significant assets and challenges. The Raiders possess the No. 6 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft and have a projected $108 million in salary cap space. However, the roster lacks a definitive starting quarterback and running back, making these positions priorities in the offseason.

Next Steps

With the GM position filled, the Raiders are now focused on hiring a new head coach. The organization has conducted interviews with several candidates, including Pete Carroll, Ron Rivera, Robert Saleh, and Vance Joseph. Notably, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn are no longer available, having accepted positions with other teams.

The appointment of John Spytek signals a new direction for the Las Vegas Raiders as they aim to rebuild and return to playoff contention.