After 26 years with the Ravens, Director of Player Personnel Joe Hortiz is beginning a new chapter.
The Chargers have finalized a deal to make Hortiz their new general manager and announced it Tuesday afternoon.
"When you've had the privilege of working with one organization your entire career, something that's exceedingly rare in our business, the opportunity and fit has to pretty much be perfect to consider a change," Hortiz said in a statement. "This is that opportunity."
Hortiz will work with new Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, brother of Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh, as they begin building a new culture in Los Angeles after a 5-12 season.
The 48-year-old Hortiz has been an important figure in Baltimore's front office for many years, working with General Manager Eric DeCosta and former General Manager Ozzie Newsome, playing a key role in scouting, the draft, and personnel decisions that helped the Ravens win two Super Bowls.
He joined the Ravens as a personnel assistant in 1998, part of the Ravens' "20/20 Club,' referring to hiring 20-year-olds for about $20,000. Hortiz became a scout in 2001 and was elevated to director of college recruiting in 2009. He held that position for a decade before becoming director of player personnel in 2019.
"It is with great pride and joy that we congratulate Joe on becoming the Los Angeles Chargers General Manager," DeCosta stated. "For 26 years in Baltimore, Joe assisted Ozzie and me as a trusted and valued voice in our scouting process. A great scout, he's also a true friend – loyal and hardworking with tremendous integrity. He is an all-time Raven. We all love the Hortiz family and wish the very best to Joe, Jennifer and their boys.  This is a moment to celebrate!"
