Saints' Brandon Staley Talks Lessons From Chargers HC Stint, 'I Was Trying to Push It'

New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley once served as the Los Angeles Chargers' head coach, but his tenure with the Bolts (2021-2023) ended after just 48 games.

When asked about what he would do differently if given another chance, Staley had this to say to The Athletic's Jeff Howe.

"I would have a lot more poise and composure in terms of knowing when to push and when to pull," Staley said.

"I was trying to push it, and I was trying to get us there as fast as we could. When you have more experience, you know when to do both of those things. You just have a better feel and understanding, and that's in all aspects of being a leader.

"That's why the next time, I just have so much more experience now — I didn't have any back then. I could have done a better job. I know for a fact I would do a better job just with more turns at it, living through more — little decisions and big decisions."

Staley, who was the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator in 2020, took the Chargers over in 2021. Los Angeles had missed the playoffs in each of its last two seasons, going 12-20 in that span.

The Chargers fared better in 2021, going 9-8 overall. They went from 18th in scoring in 2020 to fifth in 2021. However, the defense did not fare well, and the Bolts allowed the fourth-most points in the league. L.A. started 8-5 but went 1-3 down the stretch, including a 35-32 road loss at the Las Vegas Raiders that would have sent the Chargers to the playoffs if they won or tied.

In 2022, the Chargers used a four-game winning streak late in the season to vault into the playoffs at 10-7. They were up 27-0 late in the second quarter of their AFC Wild Card game against the Jacksonville Jaguars but fell 31-30 after a dramatic comeback.

The 2023 season was disastrous, as the Chargers saw a so-so 4-4 start wash away after a 1-5 stretch capped by an ugly 63-21 loss to the Raiders. After that game, Staley was fired, and the Bolts lost out to finish a 5-12 season. He ultimately finished 24-24 overall.

Staley landed on his feet quickly, serving as the San Francisco 49ers' assistant head coach/defense in 2024 before becoming the Saints' DC in 2025. Staley made an immediate impact, as the Saints went from allowing 5.8 yards per play (29th in 2024) to 4.8 (fourth in 2025).

Continued success on the defensive side can lead to Staley getting some head coach consideration in the future. It's clear Staley feels he learned important lessons during his Charger tenure that could benefit him in the future. In the meantime, he's looking to help a Saints team that ended last year strong (4-1) and looks to contend in a wide-open NFC South.