Chargers Make Bold Move, Rehiring Chris O’Leary as Defensive Coordinator—What Surprises Does His Return Signal?
Well, it looks like the Los Angeles Chargers have finally closed the book on their coordinator shuffle by bringing Chris O’Leary back into the fold as defensive coordinator. After cutting his teeth last year as their safeties coach under Jim Harbaugh, O’Leary—fresh off a stellar season leading Western Michigan’s defense—steps up to replace Jesse Minter, who’s off to helm the Baltimore Ravens. It’s quite the coaching carousel, especially with Minter taking over from Harbaugh’s brother, John, after 18 years at Baltimore’s helm—talk about family business with a dramatic twist. O’Leary’s journey from a graduate assistant at Notre Dame to a promising NFL defensive coordinator is nothing short of captivating, especially after guiding the Broncos to a MAC title and nearly locking down the league’s stingiest scoring defense last season. This move, along with Mike McDaniel’s recent hire as offensive coordinator, signals some serious intent from Harbaugh’s Chargers to pack a punch next season. It’s a fresh start, new faces, and plenty of anticipation in the air—and honestly, I can’t wait to see how these changes play out on the gridiron. LEARN MORE
The Los Angeles Chargers are bringing back Chris O’Leary to fill their last open coordinator position.
The Chargers struck a deal with O’Leary to make him their next defensive coordinator on Wednesday night. O’Leary, who was most recently the defensive coordinator at Western Michigan, spent the 2024 campaign as the Chargers’ safeties coach under Jim Harbaugh.
O’Leary will replace Jesse Minter, who left last week to take over as the Baltimore Ravens’ next head coach. Minter will replace Harbaugh’s brother, John, who split with the Ravens after 18 seasons running that franchise.
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O’Leary got his coaching start at Notre Dame, where he first worked as a graduate assistant before working his way up. After his single season in the NFL with the Chargers, O’Leary went back to the college ranks and took over as Western Michigan’s defensive coordinator last fall. The Broncos went 10-4 last season and picked up a MAC title. They finished second in scoring defense in the league, too.
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O’Leary is now the second new coordinator Harbaugh has picked up in recent days. The Chargers hired Mike McDaniel as their next offensive coordinator after he was fired as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. The Chargers went 11-6 last season but just missed out on the playoffs in Harbaugh’s first campaign leading the franchise.
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While the Chargers will have two new faces running things next season, and this will be O’Leary’s first stint as a defensive coordinator in the league, Harbaugh is clearly comfortable enough with him to hand over the reins.
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