Rams block OC Kevin O'Connell from interviewing with Chargers

After taking their defensive coordinator away, the Los Angeles Rams denied their crosstown rivals from swiping their offensive coordinator as well. The Chargers had requested permission to interview Rams OC Kevin O'Connell but the request was blocked by the Rams, who made it clear they want to keep O'Connell on their staff.

O'Connell was linked to the Chargers shortly after they hired Rams DC Brandon Staley as their next head coach. But NFL rules state that if a team wants to interview a coordinator from another team, it has to be for a promotion. Otherwise, they must get permission from the current team, and in this case, that permission was denied.

With O'Connell out of the picture, the Chargers still have plenty of options for their offensive coordinator, including sticking with current OC Shane Steichen or promote QB coach Pep Hamilton. And, of course, Staley could decide to clean house and hire his own staff instead, even though O'Connell is no longer an option.

For the Chargers, finding the right fit for OC will be essential, as the team will continue to foster the development of quarterback Justin Herbert, who set several league records in his rookie season. Given Staley's defensive background, the team's OC will likely have a great deal of responsibility in terms of running the offense, including potentially calling the plays. 

The Chargers fired head coach Anthony Lynn after missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, and Staley was brought in to help make the most of what is widely considered one of the more talented rosters in the league.