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Infantino Drama Escalates 😯
BALTIMORE, MD - JANUARY 06: Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) takes the field for the game against the Baltimore Ravens on January 6, 2019, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - JANUARY 06: Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) takes the field for the game against the Baltimore Ravens on January 6, 2019, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Video: Antonio Gates Says Chargers Shouldn't Fire Brandon Staley amid NFL Rumors

Timothy RappDec 3, 2023

Brandon Staley has at least one advocate remaining amidst the Los Angeles Chargers' disappointing 4-7 season—former superstar tight end Antonio Gates.

"You know, I don't personally think so," he told TMZ Sports outside of a restaurant when asked if Staley should be fired. "Just because of the relationship he has with the players. I'm big on, 'Can you get the guys to play for you?' I feel like Staley has a rapport with the players, and I believe in that particularly because I've been in that locker room."

In Staley's three seasons, the Chargers have gone 9-8 and narrowly missed the playoffs (2021), went 10-7 and made the playoffs before blowing a 27-point lead against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card Round (2022) and this year look unlikely to reach the postseason barring a 6-0 run to close out the season.

All of that despite a talented roster led by star quarterback Justin Herbert. So Staley has earned his hot seat, though Gates doesn't believe it's time to give up on the head coach.

Infantino Drama Escalates 😯