Chargers hire Ravens exec Hortiz as GM

The Los Angeles Chargers found their new general manager to pair with head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Los Angeles agreed to terms with Baltimore Ravens director of player personnel Joe Hortiz to take over as GM, the team announced Tuesday.

Hortiz has been with the Ravens since 1998 and held several scouting positions throughout his executive career. He's been Baltimore's director of player personnel since 2019 and worked with Jim's brother, John Harbaugh, during most of his stint in the AFC North.

In Baltimore, Hortiz helped build a perennial contender that won Super Bowl XLVII during the 2012 season. The Ravens finished the 2023 campaign as the AFC's No. 1 seed but were eliminated by the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game on Sunday.

Hortiz replaces Tom Telesco, who was fired by the Chargers in December along with coach Brandon Staley. Los Angeles announced Jim Harbaugh as its new sideline boss on Jan. 24.

Hortiz inherits a Chargers team that has made the playoffs just once since 2019 and is coming off a 5-12 season. However, Los Angeles owns the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and rosters franchise quarterback Justin Herbert, who signed a five-year extension in July.

Harbaugh and Hortiz have big decisions to make, as L.A. is currently projected to be $44 million over the salary cap in 2024, according to Spotrac.

New York Giants assistant general manager Brandon Brown was the other finalist for the Chargers job.