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The Los Angeles Chargers hired Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley as their head coach on Sunday evening, and Staley immediately got to work putting a staff together. He wasted no time by bringing over Frank Smith from the Raiders to control the Chargers' run game.
Hearing #Raiders TE coach Frank Smith is leaving Las Vegas to join Brandon Staley's #Chargers coaching staff. Smith a HUGE influence on Pro Bowler Darren Waller, who honored his position coach with a @CoachingCorps
"Game Changer" Award last year.— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) January 18, 2021
It was then reported that Staley wanted to bring over current Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell to the Chargers in the same role, but that appears as if it won't happen.
Sources: The Rams blocked OC Kevin O'Connell from interviewing for the same job with the Chargers. They really value O'Connell, and the job he did for them this year.
Lines of communication remain open, so things could change. But that's where the Rams stand now.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 19, 2021
While this always seemed like a question mark just because of the lateral move, it's no surprise the Rams aren't going to let O'Connell walk to their stadium roommate. After all, Sean McVay watched Matt LaFleur leave to Tennessee, and it ultimately led to LaFleur getting a head coaching gig in Green Bay- who just knocked off McVay and the Rams in the Divisional Round.
The Rams are searching for a new defensive coordinator, and having to bring in another offensive coordinator could derail the success of the 2020 season for the Rams. However, it seems as if they are set on a Brandon Staley replacement for the defensive side of the ball.
The Rams are working towards hiring Raheem Morris as defensive coordinator, per sources. Morris cancelled a trip to Florida to interview for the Jags DC job that was slated for today.
(Morris & Sean McVay worked together in Tampa and Washington. NFLN linked Morris to Rams 1st.)
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 19, 2021
Where Staley and the Chargers go for offensive coordinator remains to be seen, but it seems as if Shane Steichen will be on his way out-or at least in a different role, although reports were conflicting on the whereabouts of Steichen's job status.
The #Chargers and Brandon Staley will work out the details of his coaching staff but they’re confident in Staley’s plan for Justin Herbert. Retaining OC Shane Steichen has been a possibility all along. We’ll see if they go that route.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 18, 2021
The pure fact that Staley and the Chargers wanted to bring in O'Connell makes it seem that Steichen is on his way out, or will at the very least be moved to another position.
Staley will also be looking for a new defensive coordinator, with Gus Bradley moving to Las Vegas to take over the same positions for the Raiders.
Unfortunately for Staley, McVay said no to O'Connell moving to the other side of SoFi.
