Chargers Hire Chris O’Leary as Their New Defensive Coordinator
Chris O’Leary replaces Jesse Minter to maintain the Chargers' top-ranked defense, which allowed an NFL-low 17.7 points per game in 2024, after Minter became Baltimore Ravens head coach.
- On Wednesday night the Chargers named Chris O'Leary defensive coordinator, filling the vacancy created when Jesse Minter left last week to become the Baltimore Ravens' head coach.
- External and internal interviews featured coaches like Aubrey Pleasant, Jim Leonhard, Zach Orr, Dennard Wilson, Steve Clinkscale, Adam Fuller and Dylan Roney.
- O'Leary brings recent success, having helped lead the Chargers to an NFL-low 17.7 points allowed in the 2024 season and Western Michigan's defense to 17.4 points per game in 2025.
- Derwin James Jr.'s Pro Bowl nod underlines the Chargers defense's strength, ranking fifth in net yards allowed with 285.2 yards, maintaining key player continuity.
- Following other staff moves this week, including Mike McDaniel's Monday hiring as offensive coordinator and Greg Roman's firing last week, O'Leary's coaching rise began at Georgia State in 2015.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Chargers Nab New DC From College Ranks
Jim Harbaugh has started to build up a new crew of coordinators for his 2026 staff. He finally has found his new defensive coordinator after the massive loss of Jesse Minter to the Ravens.On Jan 28th, the Chargers announced that they would be hiring Western Michigan defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary to become their new DC. O’Leary had actually worked with Jesse Minter in 2024 as the safeties coach for LA. This may come as a bit of a surprise t…
Chargers hire Chris O’Leary as their new defensive coordinator
The Chargers turned to a familiar face to fill a glaring void after defensive coordinator Jesse Minter departed last week to become the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. The Chargers named Chris O’Leary, their former safeties coach, as Minter’s replacement on Wednesday night. O’Leary spent the 2024 season with the Chargers, Minter’s first season with the team after Jim Harbaugh hired them. O’Leary and Minter led the Chargers’ defense to an NFL…
Chargers have hired a new defensive coordinator
Jun 13, 2023; Costa Mesa, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers helmet of quarterback Easton Stick (2) during minicamp at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Jim Harbaugh is adding a familiar name back to his coaching staff. The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Wednesday that they are hiring Chris O’Leary as their new defensive coordinator. O’Leary replaces ex-Chargers DC Jesse Minter, who left earlier this month t…
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