It’s shuffling time. We have seen coaches and GMs leave their franchises. Some like NY Jets GM Phil Savage went out of the league while more fortunate ones like Mike Borgonzi (Titans) became new GMs. For the Raiders, they first got a new HC Pete Carroll. But now they’ve received a shock from their staff member of 3 years, Champ Kelly.

He arrived at the franchise in 2022 as an assistant general manager. Just one year later, they promoted him to interim GM. This year, while Tom Brady and other owners are focused on building a formidable unit, his departure has come as a surprise. Of course, former Bucs Assistant GM John Spytek coming on board as the new GM would have influenced that decision, but no doubt the Raiders would have loved to keep Kelly within the org.

Champ Kelly is will-respected in the NFL world for his vast array of experience. He came in 2007 as a college scout for the Broncos, but climbed the ladders of success quickly by becoming the assistant director of pro personnel in 2010. However, he changed sides in 2015, taking up director of pro scouting position in Chicago Bears.

Two years later, he became the assistant director of player personnel at the Bears for 4 years. However, as his ambitions rose, he wanted a bigger position. This year, he wanted a GM position. But when the Raiders couldn’t make space for him, he chose to move on.

The fact that it happened just days after he interviewed with the Jaguars also reveals his potential destination. While the Jags haven’t announced their ultimate choice, Champ Kelly’s leaving the franchise speaks volumes.

Will Champ Kelly go to the Jaguars?

The Jaguars are in a major rebuild mode after a disastrous 4-13 season last year. But they are working with QB Trevor Lawrence in the center. And the owner, Shahid Khan, managed to steal Liam Coen from the Buccaneers. In that hurry to assemble the best staff, they fired GM Trent Baalke.

The last few days have been full of hassle. Not only Champ Kelly, but the Jags interviewed many other potential candidates including former Titans GM Jon Robinson and Bills director of player personnel Terrance Gray. However, the former Raiders interim GM has already taken a massive step.

For the Raiders, they now have a new position to take care of. They were already contemplating a new QB as they also had a debacle of a 2024 season with a 4-13 record. Round and round goes the NFL-merry-go-round.