Telesco's Former Assistant JoJo Wooden Joining Raiders

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Telesco's Former Assistant JoJo Wooden Joining Raiders

Originally posted on Las Vegas Raiders on SI
By Ezekiel Trezevant IV | Last updated Feb 9, 2024 12:00 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders continue to make moves. New Las Vegas Raiders General Manager Tom Telesco has hired one of his top assistants from his time with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Insider for NFL Network and NFL.com, Ian Rapoport, has reported the Raiders have hired former Chargers Director of Player Personnel, JoJo Wooden. His new title has not been decided yet, but according to Rapoport, Wooden's position will be a high-executive ranking role.

Before his time in the National Football League, Wooden played football at the University of Syracuse, where he played in 46 games, starting nearly half of those games. After graduating from Syracuse, Wooden would begin his career in the NFL as a pro personnel assistant.

While with the Chargers, Wooden oversaw Los Angeles' professional and college scouting department. He had been with the Chargers for over a decade and became the Chargers interim general manager when the Chargers parted ways with Telesco. With Telesco now with the Raiders, the two reunite in Las Vegas.

Wooden has plenty of experience in and around the National Football League. Before his time with the Chargers, he had longevity in his positions before Las Vegas. Before his time with the Chargers, Wooden began his career in 1997 with the New York Jets, spending a decade in New York before his stint with the Chargers.

After starting as a pro personnel assistant, he'd work his way up the ranks in New York until he became the assistant director of player personnel. Wooden now brings over two decades of NFL front-office experience to Las Vegas. Wooden's presence should help Telesco's transition from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.

Woodson's hiring could also be Telesco preparing early for current Raiders Assistant General Manager Champ Kelly potentially finding a position elsewhere shortly, maybe as soon as next season, as Kelly will undoubtedly be a candidate for general manager positions around the NFL.

Wooden was with Telesco for his entire tenure as the Chargers' general manager. While it is currently unclear precisely what Woodson's official title or role will be, he and Telesco's familiarity with each other should give Telesco added comfort moving forward.

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This article first appeared on Las Vegas Raiders on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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