The search for a new head coach for the Los Angeles Chargers is over. They have hired Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley to be their new coach, per Ian Rapaport. Staley, who won’t even have to move for his new gig, oversaw a Rams defense that was #1 in the league in fewest yards allowed in 2020.
With a stealth hiring process, the #Chargers quietly scheduled a second interview with Staley for after his playoff games. He had other interviews schedule, but LAC had no intention of letting him leave. https://t.co/ZT4IQDZsFk
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 18, 2021
Los Angeles Chargers Hire Brandon Staley
The move comes as a minor surprise, as it was somewhat expected that the Chargers would go for an offensive-minded coach to help further Justin Herbert’s career. However, Staley did play quarterback when he was in college. He reportedly has a detailed plan for Herbert and the offense, which may involve keeping Shane Steichen as the offensive coordinator. He will also likely be bringing a lot of the defensive staff from the Rams with him. As previously stated, the Rams had the #1 defense with Staley as defensive coordinator, allowing only 4,511 yards.
Staley started as a college defensive coach in 2006, holding a variety of positions for over a decade. He was the defensive coordinator for Hutchinson CC from 2010-2011, and for John Carroll University in 2013 and 2015-2016, and for James Madison University in 2014.
Staley first joined the NFL with the Chicago Bears as an outside linebackers coach from 2017 to 2018, before going to the Denver Broncos to hold the same position in 2019. He got his first defensive coordinator gig in the NFL with the Rams in 2020, which was successful enough for him to get head coaching interviews.
Staley will now inherit a defense that, like his Rams defense that had Aaron Donald, has a fearsome pass-rusher in Joey Bosa, as well as the likes of Chris Harris, Derwin James, Kenneth Murray, and Rayshawn Jenkins. He’ll also get to coach one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the league right now. Time will tell if he’ll be able to help turn this franchise around back into a playoff contender, though the pieces certainly appear to be there to do so.
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