One day after his Los Angeles Rams were eliminated from the NFL Playoffs, young defensive coordinator Brandon Staley apparently has his focus somewhere else.
Considered a top head coach candidate after just one season in his current role, the 38-year-old Staley could have his pick of potential openings despite joining the interview process relatively late.
According to Albert Breer of MMQB, Staley is set to interview with the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday while sitting down with the Philadelphia Eagles’ brass on Monday.
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Brandon Staley as hot head coach candidate
As noted above, Staley is coming off his first season as a defensive play caller with the Los Angeles Rams. He led that unit to top overall rankings in points and yards allowed. Los Angeles also finished fourth against the run and first stopping the pass.
More than anything, the issues for these Rams this past season were on the offensive side of the ball under embattled quarterback Jared Goff. Staley led a vastly improved Rams defense after the team shockingly fired the legendary Wade Phillips following the 2019 season. In reality, Staley surprised the masses with his strong performance in this role.
Prior to becoming the Rams’ defensive coordinator, Staley coached outside linebackers with the Chicago Bears (2017-18) and Denver Broncos (2019). His previous experience before 2017 included the college ranks.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Rams, check out #RamsHouse rumors, rankings, and news here.
Los Angeles Chargers interest in Brandon Staley
It is somewhat surprising that the Chargers would show interest in Staley. Up to this point, the team had been focused on offensive-minded candidates to help young quarterback Justin Herbert following the firing of Anthony Lynn.
But much like what we saw with the New York Jets hiring former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Staley would likely bring respected offensive minds with him from the Rams to the Chargers should he land the job.
Run-game coordinator Aaron Kromer, a former offensive coordinator with the Chicago Bears, comes to mind as a potential candidate to join Staley’s staff should he get a head coach job. Passing-game coordinator Shane Waldron also becomes an option.
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Philadelphia Eagles looking at defensive-minded head coach?
Unlike the Chargers, these Eagles have been looking at defensive-minded candidates. They interviewed Saleh before he was hired by the Jets and are looking to improve on that side of the ball.
It is a bit surprising given that Philadelphia has a decision to make at quarterback between Jalen Hurts and Carson Wentz, the latter of whom was benched last season and could demand a trade. Either way, the Eagles’ interest in Brandon Staley underscores just how hot of a commodity he is right now.
As for the Eagles’ vacancy, they have interviewed candidates on both sides of the ball. Interest in Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore adds another layer to that. The team is expected to hire a new head coach within the next week.