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.