Following the third-largest collapse in NFL postseason history from a 27-0 lead to a 31-30 loss to the Jaguars in the Wild Card round, Chargers head coach Brandon Staley’s job status is not entirely secure.
Staley made some questionable decisions, including playing his starters for most of a meaningless game against the Broncos in Week 18. It resulted in wide receiver Mike Williams injuring his back and unable to play.
Then, Staley endured the playoff meltdown in Jacksonville.
Despite the many analysts and fans that think Staley could get the boot, players of the team are fully supportive of him and believe that he should remain as Los Angeles’ head coach, including quarterback Justin Herbert.
“Everyone would be lucky to have a coach like Staley. He’s been an incredible leader and has the respect of everyone on our team,” Herbert said. “He’s genuine, he’s himself and has been the same person for the past two years.
Herbert added that he has complete trust in the Chargers’ coaching staff and front office.
Staley has a 19-16 record, including the playoffs, in his two seasons. He led the Chargers to their first playoff appearance since 2018, despite dealing with a slew of injuries to key players, including edge defender Joey Bosa, who missed 12 games with a groin injury.
“I really do trust these coaches. He’s a fresh head coach in this league. To expect he’s going to know everything right away is kind of silly,” Bosa said. “I think we need to just keep building. It doesn’t happen overnight.”
The Chargers’ first-half efforts were near perfection, as they committed five turnovers and scored 27 points. But they struggled to match the Jaguars’ halftime adjustments in all phases.
Despite the second-half meltdown, star safety Derwin James says he 100% believes in the coaching staff.
“I don’t feel like it happens overnight,” James said. “I feel like what we built here and what we’ve continued to build every day it’s something special. And that first half definitely showed that.”
James added that he’s open to using his voice to make his case for Staley to return.
“That’s my guy. I feel like he’s put a lot into it, and a lot of the guys in the locker room believe in him. I definitely believe in him and we’re gonna get it right.”