L.A. Return? Rams Schedule Interview With Ex-Coach Brandon Staley
The Los Angeles Rams are on the hunt for a new defensive coordinator following the hiring of Raheem Morris by the Atlanta Falcons.
And according to reports, they could already have a name circled as a potential replacement - and he is a familiar face.
Los Angeles Chargers coach Brandon Staley (left) talks with Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay after the game at SoFi Stadium.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Per NFL insider Albert Breer, the Rams have scheduled an interview with ex-Changers head coach (and former Rams defensive coordinator) Brandon Staley next week.
Staley is coming off of an interview with the Green Bay Packers on Friday and will interview with the Dolphins on Monday ahead of his meeting with the Rams.
The Rams have scheduled an interview with just one other candidate for the position thus far in Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach, Aden Durde.
Staley, 41, was fired by the Chargers at midseason following their Week 15 63-21 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. After three seasons in L.A., Staley finished with a 24-24 record, which included just one lone playoff appearance, which came in 2022 when the Chargers infamously blew a 27-0 lead over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Wild Card.
Before his time with the Chargers, however, he was the defensive coordinator for the Rams under Sean McVay in 2020. With Staley at the helm that season, the Rams were one of the top overall defensive units in the NFL, ranking No. 1 in total defense, No. 1 in scoring defense, No. 1 in passing defense, and No. 3 in rush defense.
Despite a failed head coaching stint, where many point to his defense being one of the biggest reasons for the Chargers' lack of success. Staley is still viewed as a prime defensive coordinator candidate, not only for the Packers but even now, potentially again for the Rams.
After losing Morris to the Falcons, if McVay is looking for a "safe" hire, then Staley could be the choice to become the Rams' next defensive coordinator, thanks to their prior working experience.
