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den-the-coach
I thought he was going to be a great Head Coach, he was a defensive coach that was a college quarterback, which I thought was a unique combination. Plus I liked his aggressiveness in his first year, going for the 1st down on 4th & short. However, after being an upper tier DC for the Rams, he could not fix that side of the ball for the Chargers. The defense that had talent, gave up big plays and last year in his first playoff game, which should have been an easy win resulted in a total collapse, which did not wear off in 2023.
Not sure where the Chargers go from here and I would not want Staley back as DC, if Morris leaves for whatever reason, promote DL Coach Eric Henderson, he has earned it.
With Staley I am wondering if his lightning in a bottle season as Rams DC was more about the magic of AD along with Jalen Ramsey and less about his match zone defense. The Chargers have some talent on defense but there is a difference between even very good and all time elite talent that elevates those around you. Many a Patriots OC got head coaching gigs and did nothing elsewhere because it wasn't about the X's and O's but Tom f'n Brady. Clearty Bosa, James and Mack are NOT AD and Ramsey level players. AD and Jalen Ramsey elevated to Rams to the top defense in the league statistically and I am sure the league's unfamiliarity with the Fangio style defense helped but it was far from the main reason. Ultra elite talent makes everyone around them coaches included look better than they actually are. Bryant Young got Stubblefield a DPOY and a fat contract. The myth of Brandon Staley has been debunked.
