Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley came under fire after the team’s disastrous playoff effort. Staley and the Chargers collapsed in the Wild Card round, losing unceremoniously to the Jacksonville Jaguars after holding a 27-0 lead at halftime.
As a result, it wasn’t surprising to see Staley and his job come under fire. Many argued that the collapse, combined with the team not meeting its bullish expectations, was a fireable offense. Los Angeles instead opted to merely let go of offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi as well as QB coach Shane Day. Staley kept his job with no issue.
According to the Chargers’ GM, that was by design. Tom Telesco, the team’s general manager since 2013, spoke about how the team viewed the maligned head coach.
Per Lindsey Thiry, Telesco said, “No. That was probably more [media] discussion than ours. The front office’s belief in Brandon hasn’t changed. He’s got our belief. Our players believe in him. He’s a tremendous leader…”
Chargers GM Tom Telesco when asked if Brandon Staley's job was ever at stake: "No. That was probably more [media] discussion than ours. The front office’s belief in Brandon hasn’t changed. He’s got our belief. Our players believe in him. He’s a tremendous leader…"
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) January 19, 2023
In other words, Staley isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
While some have connected the Chargers to job-seeking, Super Bowl-winning head coach Sean Payton, the job would have to open for that to become a reality. Based on Telesco’s comments on Thursday, Payton may coach in 2023, but it will not be for the Chargers.
Brandon Staley is 19-15 in his two-year career as head coach with aloud, 0-1 mark in the playoffs.
