The Los Angeles Chargers announced that Chris O’Leary will be their new defensive coordinator. O’Leary previously served as the team’s safeties coach in 2024 before taking a brief stint at Western Michigan. He will replace Jesse Minter, who has moved on to coach the Baltimore Ravens.
In his year with the Chargers, O’Leary was crucial in implementing Minter’s defensive strategy. He focused a lot on developing standout safety Derwin James Jr. Under O’Leary’s guidance, James had a remarkable All-Pro season. O’Leary dedicated time during practice to work one-on-one with him, especially on coverage assignments. This approach enabled James to excel closer to the line of scrimmage, which has been important for his career resurgence.
O’Leary also played a significant role in onboarding safety Elijah Molden, who joined the team just days before the season started. O’Leary and Molden met daily for about two and a half hours over three days, effectively getting him up to speed with the playbook. Molden even credited O’Leary with helping him make a quick impact, as he recorded an interception just weeks into the season.
O’Leary’s coaching career includes six seasons at Notre Dame. His relationship with Minter dates back to 2015 when they worked together at Georgia State. This history contributed to the Chargers’ decision to hire O’Leary, as they wanted to maintain a familiar defensive scheme after Minter’s success. Last season, the Chargers ranked seventh in defensive EPA/play, showing the effectiveness of their unit.
Analysts are optimistic about O’Leary’s potential. According to sports expert Jeremy Fowler, “Coaching continuity can often lead to stability and success.” The Chargers seem to believe that O’Leary can build on the strong foundation laid by Minter and help the team improve even further.
In recent seasons, defenses where coaches have been promoted from within tend to see more cohesive play. O’Leary has proven himself capable of delivering results quickly, as seen with Molden’s early contributions. This hiring reflects a strategic decision to enhance team familiarity while fostering talent.
As the Chargers gear up for a new season, O’Leary’s leadership could be crucial in shaping a defensive unit ready to compete and take the team to new heights.
For more insights on coaching trends in the NFL, check out this report from the NFL Coaches Association.
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