The search for their new head coach has officially ended for the Los Angeles Chargers. According to reports, the Chargers have decided to bring on Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley as the new man at the helm.
This report comes via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com:
Staley parts ways with the Rams after just one season with the squad. His new post with the Chargers is his first time as an NFL head coach following previous stints as linebackers coach for the Denver Broncos and the Chicago Bears.
The Chargers' decision to hire Staley is a clear indication of L.A.'s new direction next season. They've brought on a defensive-minded coach, which obviously means they will want to prioritize the defensive schemes of the squad above anything else. This could be a welcome change for the Chargers, who weren't exactly the best defensive team in the league last season. Staley absolutely fits this mold. He formed quite a formidable defensive unit for the Rams, which emerged as one of the best in the NFL.
Staley has made significant strides in the league over the past few years. Not too long ago, he was with John Carroll University — an NCAA Division III squad. This was back in 2016, which speaks volumes of how far Staley has gone in five years.
This is certainly something to get excited about for the Chargers, who managed just seven wins in 16 games last season. Despite a hopefully run towards the end of the campaign, the Chargers still finished third in the AFC West behind the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders.