BREAKING NEWS: Former Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley: Now with New Orleans Saints, Sends Message to Jim Harbaugh Current Los Angeles Chargers coach Concerning his….. view more

📰 Former Chargers HC Brandon Staley Lands as Saints DC, Delivers Message to Jim Harbaugh

Brandon Staley, the former head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers and 2020 defensive mastermind of the Rams, has officially been named defensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints, reuniting with rookie head coach Kellen Moore

Staley, 42, replaces Joe Woods and arrives after a season as assistant head coach with the San Francisco 49ers. The move flips roles: in 2023, Moore was Staley’s offensive coordinator in LA; now Staley works under Moore.

New Orleans hopes to rejuvenate a defense that ranked 19th in points and 30th in yards allowed last seasons

💬 A Word for Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers

In his introductory press conference, Staley acknowledged the growth shown by Jim Harbaugh, now head coach of the Chargers:

“Jim’s done an outstanding job in L.A.,” he stated, citing Harbaugh’s 11‑6 record and playoff berth in 2024
Staley continued with respect:
“He’s brought stability and leadership. That’s the mold for how you turn a franchise around.”

Putting it further, Staley emphasized the elevated competition in the AFC West:

“The bar’s been raised in that division—Harbaugh did that. We’ll have to push our defense to meet and exceed that standard.”

🔄 Redemption Tour

• Chargers era recap: Staley finished with a 24‑24 record over three seasons, including a playoff run in 2022 before a disappointing 5‑9 finish and his dismissal in December 2023 following a 63–21 loss to the Raiders
• Rams success: He crafts top-ranked defenses in yardage and scoring during his lone year as DC in 2020
• Mixed fan reactions: Pundits caution about his consistency as DC, noting his performance depends heavily on talent—“He proved he can be a good DC… but consistency is key”

Staley responds with confidence:

“I’m here to build—not just scheme. With the roster and coaching staff in place, we will elevate performance, not just hope for it.”

🔍 What’s Next for Saints Defense

• Cap crunch: The Saints are over $50 million above the cap, complicating free-agent acquisitions.
•  Staley emphasizes development and draft investments:
  

  “We’ll coach players up and get key pieces through the draft.”

• Familiar faces returning: Key veterans like Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis provide leadership, while rising stars such as Kool-Aid McKinstry offer upside
• Division implications: With Harbaugh’s Chargers setting a high bar, playoffs in sight for L.A., Staley’s Saints will need improvement fast to stay competitive in the NFC South—and possibly as a contender in the West .

📌 Bottom Line

Staley is embracing his DC role as a comeback opportunity and sending a clear message to his ex-Chargers counterpart: