Tag: Chargers Brandon Staley

Brandon Staley on whether he’ll remain Chargers’ head coach: ‘I don’t know that’

Brandon Staley was pressed by media members following the Chargers’ loss to the Raiders.

Brandon Staley was predictably grilled at his postgame presser following the Chargers’ 63-21 loss to the Raiders. LA went into halftime down 42-0 and gave up a franchise record for points allowed in a game.

Staley was asked whether he thinks he will have his job tomorrow and he responded: “I don’t know that.”

Then, asked if he thinks he should, he said, “Yes.” Why? “I know what I’ve done here for three years. I know what I’ve put into this … I know the type of coach I am.”

Staley also said that losses like Thursdays’ have happened to a number of high-profile coaches when asked a second time why he thinks he should keep his job with the result.

“It’s a reflection on all of us,” Staley said when asked about the result. He went on to push back on other questions. When asked about a potential disconnect in the locker room, Staley denied it outright.

It seems like Staley will have a meeting with ownership after this game. During his press conference, he said that one takes place 24 hours after every game. On Friday or Saturday, we should have some resolution on his fate.

Assuming he is still the head coach, Staley and the Chargers will have to rebound in just a little over the week to play the Bills in a primetime game.

Brandon Staley on Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack: ‘When we’re healthy, that’s how we’ll rush’

The Chargers’ pass rush was unrelenting at MetLife Stadium.

The Chargers’ pass rush was unrelenting at MetLife Stadium. Los Angeles’ defense finished the game with 31 pressures and seven sacks out of true passing sets for the Jets. Six players finished with pass rush win percentages over 20%, including Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.

Brandon Staley was asked after the game about seeing both of them on the field together, given availability issues previously.

When we’re healthy, that’s how we’ll rush…When they’ve (Bosa and Mack) been healthy together, that’s how they’ve played…The reason why we’re able to rush the way we are is the way we’re playing against the run.

Bosa has missed time in previous seasons and 2023 with injuries. The Chargers’ star missed one game this year with his fractured toe and hamstring. In the four games since the bye, Mack and Bosa have each registered 70+ PFF defensive grades in each contest.

The Chargers will look to keep up their positive pass-rush momentum against the Lions. It might not come easy: PFF ranks the Lions’ offensive line 1st in the league entering Week 10. Detroit is third in pass-blocking efficiency.

Hopefully, with Mack, Bosa, and Tuli Tuipulotu increasing their volume and staying healthy, the Chargers’ pass rush can stay hot down the stretch.

Brandon Staley on Corey Linsley: ‘He’s helping our team out in a new way’

Brandon Staley made it clear that Corey Linsley won’t be back soon.

Chargers’ center Corey Linsley has been on the injured reserve for about a month following the discovery of a non-emergent heart issue. While he’d technically be eligible to return to the team as he approaches the fourth week of his IR stint, Brandon Staley made it clear that Linsley won’t be back soon.

Will Clapp has played in relief of Linsley now for four games. The results have been a mixed bag. Clapp has graded lower on PFF’s individual Chargers’ grades in the last few games as the pressure numbers have increased. But clearly, there are not many players that could replicate Linsley’s Pro Bowl-level production in general at the position. Midseason line changes aren’t necessarily the easiest to navigate either.

While the full extent of Linsley’s heart condition is not known, it was evident from the beginning that his return was not imminent. JT Woods also remains on the teams’ NFI list with an illness but was seen at the team facility recently.

Unless LA opts for some free-agent signing or shifts the names on their offensive line around a bit, it does seem that Clapp is the center for the foreseeable future. Per Staley’s comments, hopefully, Linsley is still involved with the day-to-day for the rest of the offensive line room. His impact in that regard could prove valuable.

Chargers HC Brandon Staley on Derwin James’ penalties: ‘He needs to change his approach’

Brandon Staley was asked about the penalties racked up by Derwin James.

At his media availability, Brandon Staley was asked about the penalties racked up by Derwin James in the Cowboys game and throughout the season. Staley issued a rather blunt response:

He needs to change his approach because he needs to stop being penalized. He needs to lower his target and play the aggressive game that he plays, but he has to lower his strike zone and make sure that he’s making good decisions. It is the way it is and you have to make adjustments when you’ve had things go the other way. And he will, he’s too smart of a player. He’s such a leader on our team.

James was flagged twice against Dallas for penalties that cost Los Angeles 30 yards. Through four games, he’s already had four penalties called on him. The most penalties committed by James in a season was six in 2022, a mark he’s certainly on pace to break.

James gave some of his thoughts when the penalties were inevitably brought up at his media availability session. On how the refs are calling flags this season, James said this:

I’m already going low, and then guys are ducking. I just have to get low, I guess. I’m a professional, they pay me to do my job. If they’re going to call it like that, I have to be responsible and not hurt my team and get better from it. It’s that simple.

James also answered a follow-up question that asked if he thinks the referees are officiating him differently following his disqualification in Week 15 vs. the Colts last season. While he believes they are officiating him “a little bit” differently since that hit, the former Florida State product ultimately thinks the onus is on him to adjust and help the team.

James and the Chargers enter a critical matchup against the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium after letting Monday’s game slip away. Asked about the matchup with star tight end Travis Kelce, James said he “can’t wait.” The two tend to match up well against each other, as seen in the rivalry over the last few years.

Hopefully, James’ penalty issues are corrected quickly, as the Chargers can’t afford to give up any extra ground to the Chiefs in a must-win game.

Brandon Staley on J.C. Jackson trade: ‘There was a body of work to go off of’

Brandon Staley spoke for the first time since J.C. Jackson was traded to the Patriots.

On Thursday, Brandon Staley spoke at the Chargers’ media availability for the first time since J.C. Jackson was traded to the Patriots last week. Staley opened his press conference by responding to the first question about Jackson by saying this:

We just felt like this was the best course for our team. There was a body of work to go off of. We felt like this direction was the best for our football team.

When asked to clarify if “body of work” meant on-the-field or off-the-field concerns, Staley said, “In all ways.”

The Chargers head coach was also asked about Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero’s report, which stated that Jackson had refused to enter the game against the Raiders when Michael Davis injured his ankle.

Staley refused to comment, saying, “I’m not talking anymore about J.C. We’re moving forward as a team, and that’s behind us.”

Staley also said that the Chargers fully believe in their secondary group without Jackson:

We believe in that group. That group is where we’ve played our best football as a team since we’ve been here. We have full trust in those guys. Those guys have played really well together. Now, they get to play together full time.

Michael Davis, Asante Samuel Jr., and Ja’Sir Taylor will attempt to hold down the secondary as the Chargers move forward. Deane Leonard and newly signed cornerback Essang Bassey will be the depth players in the room.

The ramifications of the Jackson signing not working out will eventually loom large for the Chargers. Specifically, a dead cap charge over $20 million will hurt them in balancing the books for 2024.

But for now, a clean break is the main story in the interim. Staley and the team hope it leads to a bounce back for a secondary group that’s primarily underperformed this season.

Where Chargers’ Brandon Staley ranks among head coaches in 2023

The 33rd Team released their rankings of all 32 head coaches heading into the 2023 season. 

The 33rd Team released their rankings of all 32 head coaches heading into the 2023 season.

Brandon Staley checked in at No. 20 overall.

I’m not quite sure what to make of Staley at this point. He has two winning seasons, but it feels like the Los Angeles Chargers lose a bunch of close games they shouldn’t. Case in point, their Wild Card playoff debacle in Jacksonville.

Staley is entering his third year as the Chargers’ head coach with a 19-15 record with one trip to the playoffs under his belt, which came last season, resulting in a collapse to the Jaguars after being up 27-0.

There had been some speculations that after the implosion against Jacksonville, Staley would be fired.

Despite blowing the third-largest lead in NFL postseason history, Staley improved from 9-8 in his first season to 10-7 and took Los Angeles to the playoffs for the first time since 2018, all while dealing with a handful of injuries to key players.

Staley made coaching staff changes this offseason, adding a new offensive coordinator in Kellen Moore and a quarterbacks coach in Doug Nussmeier. He is banking on those additions to elevate the skills of quarterback Justin Herbert and for the team to stay healthy.

Time will tell if the Chargers can make a deeper run. But with all the talent on the roster, if they fail to do so, Staley could be on the hot seat.

Chargers HC Brandon Staley: Justin Herbert contract talks are ‘ongoing’

Brandon Staley sounded off on the Chargers’ contract negotiations with Justin Herbert.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is due for a contract extension. When? That remains to be seen. But he will get one soon.

On Monday, head coach Brandon Staley said negotiations are “ongoing,” according to ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry. Staley said this before participating in the team’s charity golf tournament.

Staley last provided an update ahead of the NFL draft, and while he believes not much has changed since then, he expressed continued “faith” in the organization.

Los Angeles exercised Herbert’s fifth-year option this past April. Even though a deal has not been made, Herbert expressed his commitment to the Chargers.

“They’ve done such a great job of taking care of us and my message really hasn’t changed,” Herbert said. “It’s been an honor to be a part of this team. It’s great to come to events like this and whatever happens, happens and it’s out of my control at this point.”

Herbert was also asked if he would be OK with playing this upcoming season without a deal.

“That’s a good question. I think that’s something you have to address and you have to think about,” Herbert said. “My job at this point is just to play quarterback and to be the best leader, quarterback and teammate that I can be. So I’m doing everything I can to rehab, get back and make sure my shoulder is ready for this season.”

Herbert, who tore his labrum in his left shoulder in the team’s Week 17 victory over the Jaguars, provided an update on how he was feeling after getting surgery back in January.

“I feel a lot better,” Herbert said. “The shoulder is holding up, been able to lift quite a bit more, conditioning, so picking up more, especially upper body-wise. So it has been tough. It’s an unlike any other offseason for me, but you have to find a way to make it work.”

In three seasons, Herbert has 14,089 passing yards, 94 touchdowns and 35 interceptions with a 66.9 completion percentage.

Chargers HC Brandon Staley talks state of tight end room

Tight end is a position of need for the Chargers.

The Chargers will return all their tight ends from last season: Gerald Everett, Donald Parham, Tre’ McKitty and Stone Smartt.

Signed last offseason, Everett supplied the offense with a consistent piece in the passing game, finishing with career-highs in receptions (55) and receiving yards (555).

However, there was not much to boast about outside of Everett.

Parham appeared in six games after dealing with a hamstring injury he sustained in training camp and a concussion. McKitty was drafted in 2021 to be an inline blocker, but he was underwhelming in that department and did not offer much value as a receiver.

With Parham’s injury concerns looming and the stagnant status of McKitty, Los Angeles would benefit from a complete player at the position to complement Everett in 2023 and take over as the No. 1 when Everett hits the free agency market after this upcoming season.

Furthermore, new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s scheme is heavily predicated on 12 personnel, which means two tight ends on the field. Therefore, they will be looking for a tight end proven as a receiver but can assist in the run game as a blocker.

“That position, when you can find it, it changes the way people have to play you,” Staley said. “Kellen’s had a lot of success playing that way. …Gaps and vertical threats is how you really stress defenses. So I think we have a good room right now. But we’re always looking to add.”

Luckily for Los Angeles, this year’s tight end group is loaded with talent.

If they want to address the position in Round 1, Utah’s Dalton Kincaid or Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer would make sense. Beyond that, Georgia’s Darnell Washington, Iowa’s Sam LaPorta, South Dakota State’s Tucker Kraft and Michigan’s Luke Schoonmaker are also ideal targets.

Report: Chargers ‘strongly considering’ keeping HC Brandon Staley

Despite all the speculations, Brandon Staley’s job status with the Chargers is likely safe.

After their collapse to the Jaguars, the talk surrounding the Chargers has been whether or not head coach Brandon Staley will be back next season.

Despite all the speculations, Staley’s job status is likely safe.

According to The Score’s Jordan Schultz, Los Angeles is strongly considering keeping Staley. Staley is expected to meet with ownership in the near future, and internal talks are ongoing.

Staley has been scrutinized for his decision to play the team’s starters in Week 18 against the Broncos, which resulted in wide receiver Mike Williams injuring his back, keeping him out of the playoff game against Jacksonville.

Then, there was the implosion on Saturday night.

The front office’s argument for keeping Staley could be that despite blowing the third-largest lead in NFL postseason history, he improved from 9-8 in his first season to 10-7 and took the Chargers to the playoffs for the first time since 2018, all while dealing with a handful of injuries to key players.

In Schultz’s report, he added that there is a chance Staley will have to make significant staff changes.

Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi has been under fire for his system not being tailored to quarterback Justin Herbert’s strengths. Despite having immense arm talent and strength, Herbert has been relegated to quick and underneath throws most of the time.

We now wait for the official decision.

Chargers players vouch for Brandon Staley following loss to Jaguars

Chargers players showed their support for head coach Brandon Staley, who is currently under fire.

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.”