Los Angeles Rams Set To Interview Brandon Staley For DC Opening: What It Means

Prior to spending the past three seasons as the Los Angeles Chargers’ head coach, Staley served as the Rams’ defensive coordinator under Sean McVay in 2020. That season saw him lead the NFL’s top-scoring defense.

Sure, Rams fans might not be too excited about this most-recent interview. After all, Staley’s tenure as the Chargers’ head coach was nothing short of a disaster class. He was fired after the Chargers gave up 63 points in a Dec. 14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

But that narrative is a tad too simplistic.

Brandon Staley Would Provide Los Angeles Rams With Experience

Los Angeles is expected to interview two in-house candidates in that of pass-game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant and run-game coordinator Chris Shula for its vacant defensive coordinator opening. Neither has experience calling plays on that side of the ball.

The Rams also interviewed former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera for the opening.

It seems as if McVay is casting a wide net to replace the respected Morris at the all-important position. But given his status as an offensive-minded head coach, it makes sense to go with experience on the other side of the ball.

Still only 41 years old, Staley’s previous success within the confines of the Rams’ defensive scheme might just make too much sense. His relationship with McVay adds another layer to that.

It’s also important to note that a lack of success as a head coach doesn’t mean much when it comes to coordinating a defense. We’ve seen others struggle in expanded roles, only to show themselves to be top-end coordinators after returning to their previous positions. Morris was a prime example of that with the Rams over the past three seasons.

This might not be a sexy potential hire. But for a Rams team, the continuity of bringing back Staley would make sense.

We’ll see soon enough whether it is in the cards.

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