The Los Angeles Chargers found their next defensive coordinator, and he's someone already quite familiar with the organization.
The Los Angeles Chargers now have both coordinators in place as they continue to finalize their new coaching staff for next season under coach Jim Harbaugh. They made an electric hire at offensive coordinator in Mike McDaniel, and the next step was to find a replacement for Jesse Minter, who left to become head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. The Chargers moved quickly and are set to hire Chris O’Leary as their new defensive coordinator, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. It’s a familiar name for Los Angeles fans, as O’Leary coached safeties for the team in 2024, and he returns from the college ranks to take his first coordinator role at the NFL level.
O’Leary spent the 2025 season at Western Michigan, leading a defense that ranked ninth in FBS in scoring defense, and the 19th best unit in total net yards allowed per game. He took his first coaching job at Florida Tech, working with safeties, and then moved to Notre Dame where he spent six seasons with the Fighting Irish. He was a defensive analyst for two seasons before taking over as defensive back and safeties coach, coaching current Chargers defensive back Cam Hart.
Here is the full story from Chargers Roundtable writer Nick Crain on the new hire and what O’Leary brings to the Los Angeles defense.
While O’Leary doesn’t have substantial experience as a defensive coordinator, his one season with Western Michigan clearly left an impression on Los Angeles. His familiarity with the organization, including key players like Derwin James, likely helped move the process quickly. The Chargers interviewed O’Leary on Wednesday, and he quickly became their next defensive coordinator by the end of the evening.