Joe Hortiz, Former Ravens Executive, Will Become GM Of Chargers
A source not authorized to publicly discuss the decision says the Chargers have concluded their second most anticipated offseason search and will appoint Joe Hortiz, the director of player personnel for the Baltimore Ravens, as their new general manager.
The Chargers conducted a second interview with Hortiz on Friday, and he was hired. He was heavily involved with Coach John Harbaugh‘s Baltimore Ravens during his five years as player personnel director, during which the team won two AFC North championships and made four trips to the postseason.
On Thursday, the Chargers are scheduled to hold a press conference where Hortiz, 48, and head coach Jim Harbaugh will be fully presented.
After an embarrassing 63-21 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on December 15, the franchise fired Coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco, starting a search that concluded with the hiring. Following their 5–12 season, the Chargers finished last in the AFC West.
Hortiz joined the Ravens in 1998 as a personal assistant and then worked under then-general manager Ozzie Newsome as a scout, helping the team win two Super Bowls in 2000 and 2012.
Priorities for Joe Hortiz will include staying under the 2024 salary cap as the Chargers look to win the franchise’s first Super Bowl under head coach Jim Harbaugh. According to Overthecap.com, the top-heavy roster is more than $40 million over the anticipated cap, which suggests big changes may be on the horizon.
Some of the team’s unrestricted free agents are Austin Ekeler, Gerald Everett, Kenneth Murray Jr., Jalen Guyton, Alohi Gilman, Austin Johnson, Will Clapp, and Michael Davis.
Predicted personnel adjustments could target a defense that finished 24th in points allowed per game (23.4) and 28th in yards allowed per game (362.9). It was largely a forgettable season for the Chargers defense, except from Khalil Mack‘s comeback, 17-sack campaign and Tuli Tuipulotu’s impressive rookie performance.
Even the usually flawless Derwin James Jr. made blunders, and injuries again denied Joey Bosa of a complete season. Davis’ coverage issues were also frequently evident.
Hortiz will also prioritize locating the next wave of offensive weapons to support Justin Herbert’s success. Despite seeing the second-most targets the previous season, behind only the invincible Keenan Allen, first-round selection Quentin Johnston found it difficult to impact the passing game.
To find support for Herbert in the passing game, Hortiz may need to return to the draft as Everett faces the risk of being a cap casualty and Mike Williams and Allen approach their contract years.
The Chargers interviewed a number of individuals, including Hortiz, for the position of general manager. After two interviews, Giants associate general manager Brandon Brown was apparently considered for the position.
The NFL conducted one interview each with JoJo Wooden (Chargers interim general manager), Ian Cunningham (Bears assistant general manager), Terrance Gray (Bills assistant director of player personnel), Jeff Ireland (Saints assistant general manager), Ed Dodds (Colts assistant general manager), Jeff Kings (Bears co-director of player personnel), and Dawn Aponte (Chief administrator of football operations).
