Chargers’ New GM Joe Hortiz: A Winning Vision for Every Year
The Los Angeles Chargers recently introduced their new general manager, Joe Hortiz, at a news conference held at their team facility in Orange County. With new head coach Jim Harbaugh also in attendance, the event was a momentous occasion for the Chargers organization. During the conference, Hortiz discussed his extensive experience with the Baltimore Ravens, his team-building philosophy, the Chargers’ salary cap situation, and finalizing the coaching staff, among other topics.
Salary Cap Approach
One of the major challenges Hortiz will face in his first offseason is navigating the team’s salary cap situation. According to data from Over the Cap, key players such as edge rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, and receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are projected to account for nearly 60% of the Chargers’ 2024 salary cap. Additionally, when factoring in space needed for the draft class and reaching the roster minimum, the Chargers are currently over $55 million over the projected 2024 cap.
Hortiz emphasized the importance of making the right decisions to create flexibility for the team both in the present and the future. While tough decisions will need to be made regarding their high-priced veterans, Hortiz made it clear that the goal is to build a winning team every year. The Chargers will aim to compete for a championship without resorting to a complete roster overhaul.
Emphasis on Comp Picks
Hortiz revealed that he is a big fan of compensatory picks (comp picks) as part of his team-building philosophy. Comp picks are awarded to teams based on how much value they lose in free agency and can be used to acquire young talent and build depth. Under previous general manager Tom Telesco, the Chargers did not take full advantage of this strategy.
Hortiz aims to change that and create a cycle of comp picks for the Chargers. By gaining as many picks as possible early on and making smart decisions on who to re-sign, the team can use these picks to build depth and protect their cap flexibility. This approach was successfully implemented by Hortiz during his time with the Ravens, where they were awarded 22 comp picks from 2014 to 2023.
Coaching Staff Finalization and Analytics
Hortiz echoed Harbaugh’s comments from the previous week, stating that the main priority for the organization is finalizing the coaching staff. The Chargers have already made significant progress in this area, announcing the hiring of Jesse Minter as their defensive coordinator. The team is also expected to hire Greg Roman as their offensive coordinator.
Hortiz also highlighted the importance of analytics in decision-making. He plans to bring the same philosophy that was embraced by the Ravens to the Chargers organization. Hortiz has already been in contact with the Chargers’ existing analytics staff and aims to incorporate data-driven strategies into the team’s operations.
Pre-Existing Relationship with Harbaugh Family
Hortiz’s long-standing relationship with the Harbaugh family played a significant role in his appointment as the Chargers’ general manager. He worked alongside John Harbaugh, Jim’s brother, for 16 seasons in Baltimore. Interestingly, Hortiz first met Jim Harbaugh during his rookie season with the Ravens in 1998 when Harbaugh invited him to play racquetball. Despite getting thrown around during the game, Hortiz is grateful for the opportunity to work with both Harbaugh brothers.
Future Plans
Hortiz mentioned that most of the additions and changes to the scouting and personnel departments will happen after the draft. While he plans to evaluate the current scouting staff and potentially bring in new talent, he acknowledges that there are already talented individuals within the organization.
With Hortiz’s winning vision and expertise, the Chargers are optimistic about their future prospects. The combination of a strong salary cap approach, emphasis on comp picks, finalizing the coaching staff, and embracing analytics bodes well for the team’s chances of success in the upcoming seasons. As Hortiz stated, the goal is to build a winner every year and compete for a championship, making the Chargers a team to watch in the NFL.