After graduating from college, Staley began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Northern Illinois University in 2006. He then spent time as a linebackers coach at St. Thomas University and a defensive coordinator at Hutchinson Community College before getting his first NFL job in 2017.
Staley’s initial foray into the NFL came as a defensive assistant with the Chicago Bears in 2017. He coached the outside linebackers for two seasons before departing to become the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos in 2019. Staley’s one season in Denver turned out to be a success, as the Broncos fielded one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL, ranking in the top 10 for both yards and points allowed.
Despite his success in Denver, Staley’s next move turned out to be his most significant. In 2020, he was hired as the defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams’ defense was already one of the best in the league, but Staley’s system took them to another level. The Rams allowed just 18.5 points per game, the fewest in the NFL, and Staley’s innovative use of players like safety John Johnson and cornerback Jalen Ramsey helped to take the unit to the next level.
Staley’s success in Los Angeles did not go unnoticed, and he was soon the subject of much speculation when NFL coaching vacancies opened up. In January 2021, the Los Angeles Chargers announced that Staley would become their next head coach. The Chargers had gone 7-9 in 2020 and had missed the playoffs for the second straight season, but Staley’s arrival brought renewed optimism to the franchise.
With Staley now in charge, the Chargers have a coach who is known for his defensive acumen and his ability to get the most out of his players. His track record in the NFL has been excellent so far, and many believe that he has the potential to be one of the league’s top head coaches in the years to come.
The Chargers’ roster is already stacked with talent, particularly on offense with quarterback Justin Herbert and wide receiver Keenan Allen. Staley’s job will be to build a defense that can complement the team’s explosive offense and help take the franchise to the next level. His work in Los Angeles last season demonstrated his ability to do just that, and there is a sense of excitement around the Chargers that hasn’t been present for several years.
In conclusion, Brandon Staley is a rising star in the NFL coaching ranks. He has built an impressive resume in his short time in the league and has demonstrated a knack for getting the most out of his players. The Los Angeles Chargers are lucky to have him as their head coach, and there is no doubt that he will be looking to build a team that can compete for a Super Bowl in the not-too-distant future. If his past success is any indication, Staley’s future in the NFL is a bright one.