Charger Report

Chargers player throws shade at former head coach

Brandon Staley's favoritism was widely reported following his dismissal
Thomas Martinez|
Sep 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley looks on during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Sep 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley looks on during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

In this story:

Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers emphatically crushed the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night football. The Chargers defense dropped the hammer on the Steelers offense and quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The defensive performance from Los Angeles was highlighted by veteran leader Khalil Mack. The unit as a whole relied on several young rookies during this performance including third-round defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell, sixth-round safety RJ Mickens and undrafted defensive back Nikko Reed.

RELATED: Chargers’ injury luck finally turns with latest updates on key rookie’s scare

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has not been shy nor afraid to play rookies if they earn playing time and their development fits with the Chargers on-field demands.

Los Angeles' former head coach, Brandon Staley, whom Harbaugh replaced, was widely criticized for his rookie development or lack thereof.

The Athletic's Josh Kendall questioned Staley's rookie development in October of 2023. At that point, the only rookie from the 2023 class contributing in a meaningful way was second-round edge Tuli Tuipulotu.

RELATED: Chargers keep pace with AFC's best after domination of Steelers on Sunday Night Football

Following Staley's dismissal after the Thursday night 63-21 embarrassment to the Las Vegas Raiders, behind the scenes details over his tumultuous final season were revealed. ESPN's Kris Rhim wrote about the end of the road and one note highlights Staley's relationship with Henley, Staley had ignored including Daiyan's birthday in front of the team.

Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley was a third round selection in the 2023 class. Recently, while praising the 2025 rookies and their preparedness on the field, Henley lobbed a thinly veiled shot at his previous coach through his praise of his teammates by stating, "I wish I had these coaches when I was a rookie."

It appears there is still no love is lost between Daiyan Henley and his former head coach.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Chargers from Los Angeles Chargers on SI —

Sign Up For the Chargers Daily Digest - OnSI’s Free Los Angeles Chargers Newsletter

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

Chargers trade gamble pays off on Sunday night destruction of Steelers

Underrated Chargers playmakers allow Los Angeles to hold onto playoff hopes

Chargers' patchwork OL - without trade acquisition Trevor Penning - dominates Steelers

Keenan Allen hilariously reminds Jim Harbaugh of simple record breaking play

Cameron Dicker's miss goes wildly viral and may give Chargers kicker a new nickname

Published
Thomas Martinez
THOMAS MARTINEZ

Thomas Martinez has covered the Chargers and the NFL draft since 2022. Born and raised as a Chargers fan, experienced the improbable Super Bowl run in the 94’ season as a child, survived Ryan Leaf, the Marlon McCree fumble and Nate Kaeding in the playoffs. He graduated from UC Riverside with a degree in Political Science and The University of Redlands with an MBA.

Home/Los Angeles Chargers Latest News