Chargers Announce Coaching Promotions

Defensive line coach Mike Elston has added defensive run game coordinator to his title, and defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale has taken on defensive passing game coordinator responsibilities. Both have been with Jim Harbaugh for at least four years having held similar roles at Michigan before coming to Los Angeles in 2024.

Clinkscale interviewed for the Chargers’ defensive coordinator job this offseason, but was passed over for Chris O’Leary. His new title bump is somewhat of a consolation prize that could help him get attention for other teams’ DC vacancies next year, should he have such ambitions. Elston certainly does not. He revealed this week that he turned down an interview to replace outgoing DC Jesse Minter and prefers to remain a defensive line coach for the foreseeable future.

The Chargers gave quarterbacks coach Shane Day an offensive passing game coordinator role. He was considered for a promotion to offensive coordinator in Los Angeles was well as the same job on John Harbaugh’s inaugural staff in New York. Day was a senior offensive assistant in Houston during C.J. Stroud‘s 2023 breakout season and oversaw Justin Herbert‘s career-best efficiency in 2024. Last year, of course, was greatly impacted by the team’s offensive line injuries, which dragged down Herbert’s numbers significantly.

The Chargers also promoted Mike Hiestand from defensive assistant to defensive run game specialist. He will continue his work with the team’s front seven in that role. Additionally, offensive assistant Josh Hammond is now Los Angeles’ assistant wide receivers/assistant special teams coach.