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Lindsey ThiryESPN
COSTA MESA, California – The Los Angeles Chargers have reached an agreement with Brandon Staley to become their next head coach, the team announced Sunday night.
He will be formally presented at a press conference on Thursday.
Staley served as defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams for the past season, developing the top-ranked defense in the NFL behind star defensive tackle Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Staley’s unit propelled the Rams to a 10-6 season and a wildcard playoff victory over the Seattle Seahawks before the team left the postseason with a loss to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday. In his first year as the NFL Coordinator, Staley’s defense ranked No. 1 in efficiency, yards allowed per game, and points allowed per game.
At the Chargers, Staley replaces coach Anthony Lynn, who was fired after four seasons and set a record of 33-31.
The Chargers come from a 7-9 season that resulted in third place in the AFC West.
However, Staley inherits a roster with several cornerstone players, including rookie quarterback Justin Herbert, who became the youngest quarterback in NFL history to throw 30 touchdown passes in one season. Staley also takes over a defensive unit that includes Pro Bowl defensive end Joey Bosa and All Pro Safety Derwin James.
“It’s hard to put into words how excited I am about the chance to become the Los Angeles Chargers head coach,” Staley said in a statement. While this is certainly a dream come true, it is also a dream that has only just begun. There’s a reason this was probably the most wanted job – from ownership, to the fans, to the city, to the men in that locker. room – it is the total package. “
38-year-old Staley has rapidly progressed through the NFL ranks since he was first hired as a position coach with the Chicago Bears in 2017. He spent two seasons in Chicago under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio before following Fangio to the Denver Broncos, where he spent a season as a coach outside linebackers before joining the Rams’ staff.
Ramsey told ESPN that he has been in touch with James about hiring Staley and that James was very “excited” about his new coach. Ramsey is an outspoken advocate of Staley’s during one season of the coach with the Rams.
“He would make a lot of organizations happy because he’s a great guy, he’s all about ball, but at the same time he’s a player’s coach and I love that about him and I hope he stays here for a while,” Ramsey said last month. “But I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this is a one-off thing, 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 also spent a season as a defensive coordinator at James Madison University.
“His coaching journey to this particular moment has been inspiring; if not for the sheer persistence and determination of it all, then certainly because of the dramatic results it has produced for the teams and players he has coached,” said Chargers president of football operations John Spanos . . “I know it’s a cliché, but I know Brandon literally can’t wait to get to work.”