NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
Should the Los Angeles Chargers fire HC Brandon Staley? This has been the hot topic of discussion since the Jacksonville Jaguars knocked the Chargers out of the playoffs. But truth be told, for some, that was a topic well before the Chargers lost that game. But where is all that coming from? Is it due to what many consider his lack of growth, playcalling, or is it because there are rumors that Sean Payton is now available?
What the Chargers must ask themselves is this. Will firing Staley end their issues? If the front office can answer that with a solid yes, then make that call. If they hesitate, the issue is bigger than just Staley.
In his two seasons as the shot caller for the Chargers, Staley has compiled a record of 19-15 with one playoff appearance. But that’s no longer good enough for the masses. The knock on Staley has been his playcalling and his inability to make the proper in-game adjustments. While some blame does fall on his shoulders, should the Chargers really rid themselves of a young coach with a winning record, and a playoff berth under his name while leading a young team just because he’s gutsy and still learning the ins and outs while competing?
Let Brandon Staley grow into his role. There are at least 5 teams a year searching for head coaches. Some teams jump the gun in firing a coach due to a lack of patience. The Chargers have a good young one in Brandon Staley but the masses want someone with a proven track record.
In 2022, the Los Angeles Chargers were set to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs as top dawgs in the AFC West.
Chargers Must Give Brandon Staley Another Shot
While injuries are a part of the game, the Chargers suffered their fair share. WR Keenan Allen missed 7 games and WR Mike Williams missed 4 including their playoff matchup against the Jaguars. The RB by committee was great on the receiving end with Austin Eckler catching 107 passes while also rushing for 915 yards but there was no true backup. He was worn down by the end of the season.
Some of the blame heading his way resides with Herbert having what is considered a down year. Yes, his Passing Yards, QBR, and TDs were down from the previous season but what was the cause of that? His main targets were not on the field with him. And yet, the Chargers made the playoffs with Herbert doing less. Is the idea to win in this league or break offensive records?
On the defensive side of the ball, Brandon Staley was without LB Joey Bosa for most of the year and lost Derwin James for a few games. That’s 4 of his top players on both sides of the ball out. Other teams went through a bit of the same and yet, Staley still found a way to get his team to the Playoffs.
For all the heat he catches, his players are coming out in defense of their coach with all this speculation regarding his job. When asked about his coach, Herbert has this to say about Staley:
We believe in coach Staley and the front office 100%,” Herbert said. “Everyone would be lucky to have a coach like Staley. He has been an incredible leader. He has the respect of everyone on our team.”
Even Bosa who made a few errors during that playoff game had this to say about his coach amid the rumors of his departure:
Why did I slam my helmet on the floor?” Bosa said. “He picked it up for me and tried to calm me down and get me in order and I grabbed it from him and threw it on the ground again. How’s that his fault? It’s my fault.
In order to win in this league, there needs to be some type of accountability, chemistry, leadership, and patience. If the Chargers were to let Staley go, they would be starting over, yet again. The last 5 head coaches for the Los Angeles Chargers lasted at least 3+ seasons. So once again, why such a short leash for Staley?
His playcalling may be risque but look at his counterparts Doug Pederson in Jacksonville or Nick Siranni with the Eagles. They throw caution to the wind and get praised while Staley does the same and gets criticized by everyone but his players. Isn’t that where the voices of concern should count the most?
Yes, the Los Angeles Chargers surrendered a 27-0 lead against the Jaguars and Staley took the blame as it appeared he didn’t make any adjustments. But looking at that game, the players must want that win just as badly as the coach. It’s only so much that can happen from the sideline.
To take a page out of the Michael Jordan school of philosophy; the players did not take any part of the Jags’ comeback personally. They allowed themselves to be pushed around. Sure, pointing the finger at Brandon Staley is easy than placing the blame on the players for showing no heart in the 2nd half.
This is a business and not everyone is going to like certain individuals. Brandon Staley doesn’t need to make friends outside of his team. It’s clear that his players have his back. Do you really think he cares what we think?
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