Daiyan Henley’s 2025 season was a step back from 2024, but context matters. After playing through personal tragedy and now entering a new system under Chris O’Leary, Henley could be poised for a major bounce-back in 2026.
On the surface, Daiyan Henley’s 2025 season looks like a step back. Compared to the progress he showed in 2024, the consistency wasn’t there, and the impact plays came less frequently. But context matters, and when you zoom out, there are plenty of reasons to believe Henley is set up for a major bounce-back in 2026.
One detail that shouldn’t be overlooked when evaluating Henley’s 2025 season is what he was dealing with off the field. Playing through the death of his brother is an emotional burden that’s impossible to fully measure. Grief doesn’t follow a weekly schedule, and it doesn’t disappear once the helmet goes on. For a player whose position relies heavily on instincts, reaction time and mental processing, that kind of personal loss can absolutely affect on-field performance. The fact that Henley continued to show up and compete speaks to his character, but it also helps explain why 2025 didn’t match the trajectory many expected after 2024.
From a football standpoint, the tools are still obvious. Henley’s speed and range remain elite for the linebacker position, and when he’s decisive, he can erase plays before they develop. In 2024, there were extended stretches where he looked comfortable playing fast and confident, trusting what he saw and letting his athleticism take over. In 2025, that confidence appeared more inconsistent — a half-step late here, a missed tackle there — the kind of issues that often stem from hesitation rather than physical decline.
That’s what makes 2026 so interesting. With Chris O’Leary stepping in as defensive coordinator, the Chargers are entering a slight reset on that side of the ball. New voices and new expectations often bring clarity, and Henley is at a point in his career where he should benefit from that. He’s no longer a young player figuring things out on the fly. He’s someone who understands the demands of the league and the defense, and that experience will matter as O’Leary installs his system.
Leadership will be a major part of Henley’s role moving forward. Even if he isn’t the loudest voice in the room, linebackers naturally become the connective tissue of a defense. Pre-snap communication, alignment and trust all flow through them. Henley has the opportunity in 2026 to turn a frustrating 2025 into fuel — to be more assertive, more decisive and more comfortable owning that responsibility.
Down years often define players more than breakout seasons. If Henley can pair the growth he showed in 2024 with the lessons learned during a difficult 2025, both on and off the field, the result could be his most complete season yet. That’s why 2026 feels like a pivotal year — and why Daiyan Henley may be poised for a much bigger impact than many expect.