Tom Telesco named San Diego Chargers General Manager

SAN DIEGO, CA. (WLFI) - The San Diego Chargers announced on Wednesday that former Indianapolis Colts Vice President of Football Operations Tom Telesco has been named General Manager of the team.

“The interview process here was long and detailed, but fun nonetheless to get a chance to sit down and talk football with Dean Spanos and John (Spanos) and Ed McGuire and Ron Wolf.  It was pretty exciting for someone like me.  But it’s been a long three or four days and a long process.  But it’s been fun and I can’t wait to get to work here,” said San Diego Chargers General Manager Tom Telesco.

Telesco is set to immediately join a four-man search committee, which includes team president Dean Spanos, executive vice president John Spanos, assistant GM and executive vice president of football operations Ed McGuire, and consultant Ron Wolf -- in pursuit of a coach to replace the fired Norv Turner.

Let the speculation begin about the Indianapolis Colts interim head coach and offensive coordinator Bruce Arians. Arians has been linked to job openings in San Diego, Chicago, Jacksonville, and Cleveland.

Telesco was asked earlier today during his press conference about what qualities he will look for in the Chargers new head coach.

“You want a leader, number one.  And with our philosophy we have to look at the draft and get some young talent on this team.  We really want a teacher; a head coach that can not only teach the players but teach his assistant coaches what he wants.  That’s going to be a big key,” said Telesco.  “I deal with the head coach every day.  And he deals with the staff every day.  We want to have clear communication of what he’s looking for so we can find it.  And we want a motivator.  We want someone that can motivate the players, because if it’s not a lot different in the talent level (between two teams), maybe the coach, more motivated, push you over the top,” said Telesco.

This past season Telesco’s  worked closely with first-year general manager Ryan Grigson in Indianapolis to help shape a roster that went 11-5 one season after parting ways with Peyton Manning.

Telesco joined the Colts as an Area Scout from 1998-2000. He served as a Pro Scout from 2001-03 before being elevated to the team’s Director of Pro Scouting (2004-05). At the conclusion of the 2005 campaign, Telesco moved into the Director of Player Personnel role. 

In 1995, Telesco began his NFL career as a Scouting Assistant for the Carolina Panthers. He served in that role for two seasons before becoming an Area Scout in 1997. Telesco also worked as a summer intern for the Buffalo Bills (1991-94).

Telesco played wide receiver for John Carroll University and was a starter on the Blue Streak Ohio Athletic Conference title team in 1994. He graduated the following year with a business management degree.

“Tom Telesco has played a crucial role in our successes since he joined the Colts in 1998.  His talent and character also have been apparent to other clubs throughout the league.  Despite our efforts to persuade Tom to stay it was only a matter of time before another club snared him to be its general manager. I appreciate everything he has done for the horseshoe and have no doubt he will be successful for years to come. Everyone in the Colts organization wishes Tom nothing but the best,” said Colts Owner & CEO Jim Irsay.