The Los Angeles Chargers dismissed coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco, the team announced on Friday. This comes after the team has been unable to turn around its fortunes through a disappointing two and a half seasons. Outside linebackers coach Giff Smith will serve as the team’s interim head coach.
“These decisions are never easy, nor are they something I take lightly — especially when you consider the number of people they impact,” Chargers owner Dean Spanos explained. “We are clearly not where we expect to be, however, and we need new vision. Doing nothing in the name of continuity was not a risk I was willing to take. Our fans have stood strong through so many ups and downs and close games. They deserve more. Frankly, they’ve earned more.”
Staley was appointed head coach in 2020 following his success as a defensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams, transforming them into the league’s best defense in points and yards allowed per game. Ultimately, this defensive success was never translated to the Chargers, with frustrations reaching boiling point following a 63-21 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
