John Spanos was named President of Football Operations for the Chargers in May 2015 and oversees all football-related functions of the team, including player personnel, coaching, player finance and the salary cap, medical, equipment, video, player engagement and security.
The 2023 season will mark Spanos' 28th year in the NFL and his 25th with the team. Spanos began working for the Chargers in 1995, originally in the football operations department as a seasonal assistant. He assisted the department for five straight summers, assisting with contract negotiations and helping manage the salary cap for the final three.
In the summer of 2001, Spanos worked in New York at the NFL Office's Management Council department — which oversees and enforces the collective bargaining agreement. He returned the following year to help in the same capacity for the 2002 season before returning to California. In 2008, he was among a select list of NFL executives invited to participate in the NFL's Executive Education Program at the Stanford Business School in Palo Alto, Calif.
He began working full-time as a scout for the Chargers in 2003. Spanos worked his way up through the organization, including positions as a pro and college scout (2003-05), assistant director of college scouting (2006-07) and director of college scouting (2008-12). Throughout his time with the club, Spanos has continued to work closely with Executive Vice President of Football Administration/Player Finance Ed McGuire to manage the salary cap and retain some of the team's top players.
Spanos' ascension within the organization coincided with one of the most successful eras in franchise history. From 2004-09, the Chargers won 67 regular-season games, good for the third-most in the NFL over that span. The team also won three playoff games during that stretch, reaching 70 total wins from 2004-09, which was fourth-most in the league. The Chargers reached the playoffs five times from 2004-09 and advanced to the AFC Championship Game in 2007.
Named Executive Vice President of Football Operations in 2013, one of his first priorities in that role was the hiring of General Manager Tom Telesco. The two have guided the Chargers to three playoff appearances and a pair of postseason victories. In 2018, Spanos helped assemble a squad that tied for the AFC's best record at 12-4 and reached the divisional round of the playoffs following a wild card victory at Baltimore. In 2021, Spanos and Telesco hired Brandon Staley to be the team's head coach. Staley has led the Bolts to a 19-15 record and a playoff berth over two seasons bringing an innovative and progressive strategy to the organization. Spanos and Telesco constructed a roster in 2022 that featured eight former Pro Bowlers acquired by draft, trade and free agency, showcasing the duo's commitment to building a talented roster through all manners.
Spanos has helped the Chargers acquire and retain some of the most prolific talent in football over the last 19 seasons, as the team had 34 players make a combined 80 Pro Bowls over that span — including 17 that have been named to 34 all-star games in the last 10 seasons. In addition to acquiring star players, four players in the last 10 drafts went on to earn Rookie of the Year honors.
Spanos serves as the Chairman of the Board for the National Invitational Camp, which oversees the running of the annual NFL Scouting Combine. He is also a trustee for the NFL Player Benefit Board and a co-chair on the NFL's Future of Football Advisory Committee. He formerly served as the Chairman of the Board for National Football Scouting and is an Honorary Member of the University of California-San Diego (UCSD) Athletic Board. In addition to his scouting board roles, Spanos is also a board member for the Los Angeles Chargers Impact Fund.
In June 2010, Spanos was named one of the "Top 40 Under 40" Greek-Americans by Greek America Magazine. The acknowledgment came in recognition of his achievements in both business and community leadership. He often represents the organization at various team and community events, notably speaking at the kickoff event for 2018 Summer Night Lights alongside Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.
Spanos was born in Stockton, Calif. He attended The Bishop's School in La Jolla, Calif., where he lettered in football as a wide receiver and defensive back. He also lettered in golf and basketball and was a member of three CIF championship teams. After Bishop's, Spanos attended Wake Forest University, graduating with a degree in business.
John and his wife, Jodie, reside in Corona del Mar with their son, Jack, and daughter, Jade.
