While most of his NFL career was spent elsewhere, Darren Sproles got his start with the Chargers and became a franchise legend in no time. While his all-time stats do not elicit legend status, Sproles is a massive fan favorite for those who grew up watching the team in the late 2000s.
Sproles taking over for an injured LaDainian Tomlinson and guiding the Chargers to victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the playoffs is one of the most iconic moments in franchise history. That alone cemented Sproles' place in the Chargers' history books.
If Sproles has something to say about the Chargers then fans are certainly going to listen. In a recent appearance on the "Up & Adams" show, Sproles pushed back on the idea that the Chargers could win the AFC West and made his feelings about Brandon Staley pretty clear.
“It’s time for a new coach, I’m sorry…”@DarrenSproles on what he feels is holding the Chargers back
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) August 29, 2023
📺: @FanDuelTV | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/qhUIj85zik
Darren Sproles is not a fan of Chargers head coach Brandon Staley
Sproles is not alone in criticizing Staley as he has earned a lot of naysayers in his two years as head coach. Even those outside the Chargers bubble have criticized Staley, largely because of his coaching style and how it is unconventional to what NFL coaches typically do.
Of course, Chargers fans who are unhappy with Staley ran with this quote from Sproles as proof that the head coach will never work in LA. If a former professional to knows what it takes to win in the playoffs doesn't like Staley then it has to be regarded as truth, right?
In reality, there are a lot of variables and factors that go into the Chargers' team success. Staley is certainly a big factor but let's not kid ourselves: the Chargers had every excuse in the book to miss the playoffs last year with all the injuries that were sustained. Just when the season looked bleak, Staley rallied the troops and led them to the NFL Playoffs.
Regardless of what Sproles or anyone else thinks, the Chargers are trusting in Staley for at least one more year to lead the ship. It is pretty clear that this is a do-or-die season for both Staley and general manager Tom Telesco and Chargers fans should be rooting for Staley to stay long-term as that would mean that 2023 was successful.