Chargers HC Brandon Staley addresses hot-seat rumors

Brandon Staley addressed the speculation surrounding his job security during his end-of-season press conference.

After the Los Angeles Chargers blew the third-largest lead in postseason history to the Jacksonville Jaguars last Saturday, rumors circulated regarding head coach Brandon Staley’s job security.

Despite the speculations, the Chargers seem keen to retain Staley for next season despite his team’s utter collapse, though he may find himself on a shorter leash in 2023.

He was asked during his end-of-season press conference on Wednesday if it is hard for him to stay focused amid the ongoing speculation, and he gave a measured response.

“The nature of the NFL,” Staley explained. “You understand the way it is and that there’s always going to be speculation when other people may not be thinking that you are having the success that they think you should have.

Internally, what matters is the way that your players, your coaches, your personnel department and your ownership, the way that they feel because they’re with you on a day-to-day basis. They are, ultimately, the ones who know who you are and what you are about. That’s what gives me a lot of confidence in our situation here.”

Staley caught fire when he played the starters in the Week 18 game against the Broncos, which led to wide receiver Mike Williams’ back injury that kept him out of the playoff game. Then, the flames further ignited after the massive meltdown against the Jaguars.

While no firing seems imminent, it has become clear that fans and the media expect more of the Chargers, and Staley’s performance as a head coach next season will ultimately determine his long-term future with the team moving forward.

What Chargers HC Brandon Staley said at end-of-season press conference

Highlighting what Chargers HC Brandon Staley said at his end-of-season press conference.

Chargers head coach Brandon Staley spoke to the media to express how he felt about the 2022 season, his feelings after parting ways with Joe Lombardi and what he’s looking for in the team’s next offensive coordinator.

Here are some notable things that Staley said on Wednesday:

Takeaways from Chargers HC Brandon Staley’s introductory presser

Chargers head coach Brandon Staley impressed during his long introduction.

The Los Angeles Chargers introduced Brandon Staley as their new head coach on Thursday.

Here are my top takeaways:

Vision for the team

Despite being the third-youngest head coach in the NFL, Staley talked like he’s been coaching in the league for well over 10 years.

The 38-year old started by saying that the foundation for the team will start with “relationships” and the second will be “competition.”

“Each and every day, the Chargers need to be on a mission. A mission to create something challenging, competitive, impactful where people within our team can become their best.

Staley has already talked to players Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen, Derwin James, Joey Bosa. But he also has reached out to Chargers legends like LaDainian Tomlinson, Shawne Merriman, and Dan Fouts.

Staley said the team needs to earn the respect of the fans and be proud of a team to cheer for this coming season.

Building system around QB Justin Herbert

Staley has only coached on the defensive side of the ball in his career, but having played quarterback in college and being around many coaches with an offensive background, he considers himself an “offensive coach.”

Staley plans to build a system around Herbert this season.

“My vision for the offense really fits Justin and what he can do well,” Staley said. “Creating a system for Justin and uniquely shaping it for his skill set, because he is unlike anybody in the NFL.”

Staley said he wants Herbert to get “a dual education” which means he will get coached up on the offense but on the defensive side, as well. He wants to show the him what he will face.

Planning on calling the plays on defense

The thought is that the Chargers will run the 3-4 defense that Staley has enforced. However, Staley isn’t entitled to it, at least for now.

He said they are not tied to one specific grouping or front and that players will be involved in the collaboration process.

“We want to shape it around our guys. The flexibility we have to match up is a hallmark of how we played. The way we play on defense is the exact way we want to play on offense. We want to put people in conflict.”

Staley said the plan is for him to call the plays on defense and build a strong coaching staff under him.

Staley said he can’t wait to start coaching his players on defense, specifically mentioning Bosa, James and Kenneth Murray.

Update on coaching staff

The Chargers have been hard at work constructing a coaching staff under Staley.

Staley said they are exploring the avenue of getting a coach on the staff with previous head coaching experience, adding the goal is to surround himself with coaches who can make him better.

“In time, you guys will see that this staff will become one of the elite staffs in the NFL,” Staley said.

General manager Tom Telesco added it may take a couple of weeks to put the coaching staff together.

Watch live: Chargers HC Brandon Staley’s introductory press conference

The Chargers will stream Brandon Staley’s presser at 12 p.m. PT on Thursday.

The Chargers hired Brandon Staley to be the team’s next head coach.

From a Division III coach to an NFL outside linebackers coach to a defensive coordinator in a matter of five years, Staley has proven that he’s worthy of this position based on the results and the praise from those across the league.

What is Staley bringing to the table? What’s he going to do about the offensive coaching staff? What does he have planned for quarterback Justin Herbert? What can we expect from the new defensive scheme? How will he get Los Angeles back to their winning ways?

There’s a great chance that we will get the answers to some of those questions today at 12:00 p.m. PT as Staley is officially introduced as head coach.

Staley’s presser will be streamed live only on the Chargers app.

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