Los Angeles Chargers hire Rams’ Brandon Staley to coach

COSTA MESA, Calif .– The Los Angeles Chargers have reached a deal with Brandon Staley to become their next head coach, the team announced Sunday night.

It 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 best defense behind star defensive tackle Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

Staley’s unit propelled the Rams to a 10-6 season and a playoff victory over the Seattle Seahawks before the team left the playoffs with a loss to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday. In his first year as NFL coordinator, Staley’s defense ranked No.1 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 have just finished a 7-9 season that resulted in a third place finish in the AFC West.

However, Staley inherits a roster that includes several key players, including rookie quarterback Justin Herbert, who became the youngest quarterback in NFL history to throw 30 touchdown passes in a single season. Staley also supports 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 to have the opportunity to be the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers,” Staley said in a statement. “While this is certainly a dream come true, it’s also a dream that’s just begun. There’s a reason this was probably the most sought after job out there – from property, to fans. , to the city, to the men in that locker. room – that’s the complete package. “

Staley, 38, has risen quickly through the ranks of the NFL since he was first hired as a coach in 2017 with the Chicago Bears. He spent two seasons in Chicago under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio before following Fangio to the Denver Broncos, where he spent a season as an outside linebacker before joining the Rams staff.

Ramsey told ESPN he had been in contact with James about the hiring of Staley and that James was very “excited” about his new coach. Ramsey has been a staunch defender for Staley throughout the coach’s season with the Rams.

“He would make a lot of organizations happy because he’s a great guy, he’s in the ball but at the same time he’s a player coach and I love that about him and I hope he’s there for a while, ”Ramsey said last month. “But it wouldn’t surprise me at all if it was a unique thing, I would be happy for him.”

Prior to coaching in the NFL, Staley coached 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 at this particular time is inspiring; if not for the persistence and determination of it all, then certainly for the spectacular results he 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 can’t wait to get to work.”