Fans were initially a bit worried when it was announced that the LA Chargers hired now-former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley to be the team’s next head coach.
Most of the emphasis in the offseason was placed on Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and hiring an offensive-minded head coach to help maximize the insane potential that Justin Herbert has.
Instead, the Chargers went with a defensive coach and that appeared to be the plan all along as Staley and New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh were the only two candidates that were confirmed to get a second interview with the team.
After his introductory press conference, it is safe to say that most fans have learned to love the Staley hiring and are excited about the potential of the team moving forward. And even though the team hired a defensive-minded head coach, they managed to blend a beautiful trifecta of offensive minds together in LA that is sure to produce results for Justin Herbert.
The LA Chargers’ trifecta of genius offensive football minds:
Close your eyes, envision some of the best offensive-minded head coaches in the league right now. What names come to mind? Andy Reid, Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, Sean Payton — maybe even throw in the likes of Matt LaFleur, Frank Reich, Jon Gruden and Bruce Arians.
It is clear that the Mount Rushmore of offensive head coaches is the first four names listed above. And thus far (and there are more hirings to come), the LA Chargers have tapped into three of those offensive-minded head coaches.
Staley obviously brings the McVay connection to LA and he has hired more offensive minds around him that bring other exciting connections as well.
Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi has worked extensively with Sean Payton in New Orleans as the Saints’ quarterbacks coach and coaching one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever do it is certainly going to have a positive impact on Justin Herbert.
Helping Lombardi with the offense is the new passing-game coordinator, Shane Day. Day is coming over from the San Francisco 49ers, where he was the quarterbacks coach and has experience operating in Shanahan’s offense.
Heck, that is not the only notable offensive hires as well. Raiders tight ends coach Frank Smith is going to be the run-game coordinator in LA. Smith worked with one of the best tight ends in the league in Darren Waller, worked under Jon Gruden and even spent time in New Orleans under Sean Payton.
Heck, the team is even bringing in Shaun Sarrett to be the assistant offensive line coach. Sarrett has spent nine seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have consistently had one of the best offensive lines in the league.
At the end of the day, though, Brandon Staley has surrounded himself with offensive coaches who have each been a part of something special with different genius head coaches. That, mixed with the influence from McVay that Staley already has, is going to create quite the dynamic in LA this season.
Justin Herbert is in great hands with the LA Chargers coaching staff. And there are more hires to come.