Packers Interviewing Chargers and Rams Ex Brandon Staley; Could L.A. Make A Push?
In this story:
The Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams are in the market for new defensive coordinators and could compete against one another.
After coach Matt LaFleur decided to move on from previous coordinator Joe Barry following their Divisional Round loss to the San Francisco 49ers, they are already interviewing a potential replacement in former Los Angeles Chargers coach Brandon Staley, per a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The ESPN insider also noted that Staley is set for an interview with the Miami Dolphins over the weekend and has even "drawn interest" from the Rams.
Nov 26, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley reacts after Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) misses a field goal kick during the second half at SoFi Stadium.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Staley, 41, was fired by the Chargers at midseason following their Week 15 63-21 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. After three seasons in L.A., Staley finished with a 24-24 record, which included just one lone playoff appearance, which came in 2022 when the Chargers infamously blew a 27-0 lead over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Wild Card.
Despite a failed head coaching stint, where many point to his defense being one of the biggest reasons for the Chargers' lack of success. Staley is still viewed as a prime defensive coordinator candidate, not only for the Packers but even now, potentially again for the Rams.
Staley already shares familiarity with coach Sean McVay and the Rams after previously serving as their defensive coordinator in 2020. That lone season with the L.A. helped propel Staley's resume to landing the Chargers coaching job, as under his guidance, the Rams finished as the league's No. 1 scoring defense.
After losing Raheem Morris to the Atlanta Falcons, if McVay is looking for a "safe" hire, then Staley could be the choice to become the Rams' next defensive coordinator, thanks to their prior working experience.
