The Las Vegas Raiders are finalizing a deal to hire Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant general manager John Spytek as their new general manager, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.
Spytek and Raiders minority owner Tom Brady both played at Michigan in 1999, then reunited in Tampa when Brady led the Buccaneers to the Super Bowl title.
Spytek replaces Tom Telesco, who was fired along with coach Antonio Pierce on January 9. The Raiders are still looking for a new head coach.
Spytek was in his second season as the Bucs’ assistant general manager and his ninth year with the organization.
Spytek has worked with several high-profile executives and coaches, including Jason Licht, John Elway, Andy Reid, Mike Holmgren, Tom Heckert, John Harbaugh and Gary Kubiak.
A native of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Spytek played linebacker at the University of Michigan from 1999-2002, where he earned a degree in general studies and a master’s degree in sports management.
Baalke and the Jags part ways
Trent Baalke is no longer the general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team announced.
The news comes after owner Shad Khan announced Baalke would keep his job earlier this month despite the firing of head coach Doug Pederson following a disastrous 4-13 record this season.
“Following several discussions with Trent Baalke this week, we have both come to the conclusion that it is in our mutual interest to part ways, effective immediately,” Khan said.
“We have deeply appreciated his work over the past five seasons. I am dedicated to building a winning team here in Jacksonville and we look forward to announcing who will be the next coach to join in this effort for our players and fans. »
-Ethan Waugh will act as interim CEO.
Baalke joined the Jags as director of player personnel in February 2020 to take the place of Dave Caldwell, who was fired by Khan that November. He began this new role by selecting quarterback Trevor Lawrence first overall.
Golden back with the Bengals
Head coach Zac Taylor and the Cincinnati Bengals will have a familiar face at defensive coordinator next season.
Al Golden took the job after three seasons in the same role at Notre Dame.
Golden led the Bengals’ linebackers in 2020 and 2021. He met with Cincinnati decision-makers Tuesday, the day after the Fighting Irish’s 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the NCAA championship game.
Golden replaces Lou Anarumo, who had the job for six seasons. On Monday, Anarumo was hired as defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts.
The Bengals concluded the 2024 season with a 9-8 record. They won their last five games, still missing the playoffs for a second year in a row. They suffered four losses where they scored at least 30 points.
Only four clubs were worse than their 414 points allowed, but there were positives: Trey Hendrickson led the NFL with 17 1/2 sacks, while Geno Stone had four interceptions.
