The Baltimore Ravens coaching staff and front office have been a hotbed for prospective talent for teams with vacancies across the league since the 2023 regular season came to a close. That trend continued on Saturday when the Los Angeles Chargers completed an interview with Ravens Director of Player Personnel Joe Hortiz to potentially fill their general manager vacancy.
Hortiz has been an integral member of the Ravens front office since 1998 and has worn many hats including both a pro and college scout, the director of college scouting, and has been serving in his current role since 2019. He is Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta’s chief personnel evaluator and worked closely with his predecessor, Ozzie Newsome, who is now the Ravens executive vice president.
The 48-year-old is a well-respected executive and evaluator with an eye for talent and has been instrumental in the drafting of several Ravens perennial Pro Bowlers and All-Pros over the years. He has been more than forthcoming and generous with his time and knowledge when it comes to clinics and breaking down draft classes.
If hired, Hortiz would be taking over for former Chargers General Manager Tom Telesco who was fired during the regular season, and inheriting an ugly cap situation with some tough decisions lying ahead. He has generated buzz to earn a general manager spot in the past in recent years but might not be willing to jump ship for a bad situation although Los Angeles already has a franchise quarterback locked up on a long-term deal with Justin Herbert.
Hortiz is the second member of the Ravens’ front office to receive an interest from another team to potentially fill a general manager vacancy. Vice President of Football Administration Nick Matteo was requested to interview for the Carolina Panthers vacancy earlier this week. The Ravens now have seven coaches and executives who have been requested to interview or have already been interviewed during this year’s hiring cycle.