The San Francisco 49ers may hire former Los Angeles Chargers head coach, Brandon Staley as defensive coordinator for next season. Staley was fired from the job in December after a disappointing injury-filled season that left many with questions. The Chargers are slowly finding their answers after hiring Jim Harbaugh as their new head coach and other pieces. According to reports, many believe that Staley may have found a new home with the 49ers.
San Francisco was seeking a replacement after firing Steve Wilks from the defensive coordinator position. It’s still a shock to many around the league after Wilks only spent one year as the DC for the 49ers. However, he still led them to the promised land, but that fell short in the heartbreaking overtime loss. There still have been no reports yet if there was an interview between Staley and San Francisco.
Staley interviewed for the defensive coordinator position with the Rams but he lost to another candidate, former pass-rush coordinator Chris Shula. He also interviewed with the Green Bay Packers and Miami Dolphins for their open defensive coordinator positions this offseason. Staley hasn’t had any luck landing a job after having a slump year with the Chargers. Staley previously served as the Rams’ DC for the 2020 season.
Under his leadership, the team was ranked first in the NFL in both total defense and points. Those numbers plummeted once Staley took over the Chargers in his head coaching tenure. Despite his struggles, Staley moving back as a DC in a new team could be the move he needs.
The 49ers reportedly have former Chargers HC Brandon Staley as one of their top candidates for DC. pic.twitter.com/tw46AOa1Yx
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) February 16, 2024
San Francisco 49ers May Hire Former Chargers Coach Brandon Staley as DC
A New Face in San Francisco?
Staley and Kyle Shanahan have never worked together, so the rumors that are spiraling are interesting. This is something to note why Shanahan would hire someone if they had never been on the same team. However, if the rumors are true then this may be a new strategy that Shanahan is placing. The two squared off twice in 2020 when Staley ran the Rams’ defense.
They had only one game against each other when Staley was head coach of the Chargers. San Francisco won all three games with Staley as defensive coordinator or head coach on a different team. Staley is arguably the best option in the league that’s without a job. This may be why the rumor started because of his availability and openness to the defensive coordinator position.
Unless Shanahan can interview other candidates that may be available like Bill Belichick or Pete Carroll, then expect Staley at the top of their list. However, Staley is known for using multiple scenarios to get the most out of players. He brings the flexibility for the defense to adjust on multiple occasions. Staley could bring a new approach and perspective that could be under a new system for the 49ers’ defense.
Other Options Available for the 49ers
If the answer isn’t Staley then they could bring someone in who has Super Bowl experience. This name would be Mike Vrabel, who was shockingly fired from his head coaching job with the Tennessee Titans. His experience has been exceptional as a defensive player during his time playing under Belichick in New England. Since the 49ers have struggled to claim victory in a Bowl, Vrabel could help guide the defense to finish the job to capture the ultimate prize.
