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Lindsey ThiryESPN
COSTA MESA, California – The Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to sign deals with Brandon Staley to become their next head coach, the team announced Sunday night.
He will be officially presented at a press conference on Thursday.
Staley served last season as the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator, developing the NFL’s top defense behind star striker Aaron Donald and defender Jalen Ramsey.
Staley’s drive propelled the Rams to a 10-6 season and a wild-card playoff victory over the Seattle Seahawks before the team exited the postseason with a loss to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday. In his first year as NFL coordinator, Staley’s defense ranked 1st in efficiency, yards allowed per game and points allowed per game.
With the Chargers, Staley replaces coach Anthony Lynn, who was fired after four seasons and a 33-31 record.
The Chargers came out of a 7-9 season that resulted in a third-place finish in AFC West.
However, Staley inherits a roster that includes several cornerstones, including rookie defender Justin Herbert, who became the youngest defender in NFL history to throw 30 touchdown passes in a single season. Staley also takes over a defensive unit that includes Pro Bowl defensive team Joey Bosa and All-Pro safety Derwin James.
“It’s hard to put into words how excited I am about the opportunity to be the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers,” Staley said in a statement. “Although this is definitely a dream come true, it is also a dream that is just beginning. There is a reason why this was probably the most sought after job – from the property, to the fans, to the city, to the men in that room closet – is the total package. “
Staley, 38, has grown rapidly in the NFL since he was first hired as a position coach in 2017 with the Chicago Bears. He spent two seasons in Chicago under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, before watching Fangio at the Denver Broncos, where he spent a season as an out-of-team defensive coach before joining the Rams.
Ramsey told ESPN that he was in touch with James about hiring Staley and that James was “delighted” with his new coach. Ramsey has been a vocal advocate for Staley throughout a coaching season with the Rams.
“He would make a lot of organizations happy because he’s a great guy. He’s about the ball, but he’s a player coach at the same time and I like that about him and I hope he’s here for a while,” Ramsey said last month. “But it wouldn’t surprise me at all if that’s a thing along the way. I’d be happy for him.”
Prior to coaching in the NFL, Staley coached for three seasons at John Carroll University, a Division III college in University Heights, Ohio, and spent a season as a defensive coordinator at James Madison University.
“His coaching journey to this special moment is inspiring; if not for everyone’s perseverance and determination, then certainly for the dramatic results he has produced for the teams and players he has coached,” said Chargers President, President of Operations football John Spanos. . “I know it’s a cliché, but I know Brandon can’t wait to get to work.”