Sources: Chargers to hire Rams’ Staley as coach

COSTA MESA, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers will hire Brandon Staley as head coach, sources confirmed to ESPN.

The NFL Network first reported the move.

Staley served the past season as the Los Angeles Rams‘ defensive coordinator, developing the top-ranked defense in the NFL behind star defensive tackle Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

Staley’s unit propelled the Rams to a 10-6 season and a wild-card playoff win over the Seattle Seahawks before the team exited the postseason with a loss to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday. In his first year as an NFL coordinator, Staley’s defense ranked No. 1 in efficiency, yards allowed per game and points allowed per game.

With the Chargers, Staley replaces coach Anthony Lynn, who was fired after four seasons and a 33-31 record.

Staley inherits a promising young quarterback in Justin Herbert and a defensive unit that includes defensive end Joey Bosa and safety Derwin James.

The 38-year-old Staley has quickly risen through the NFL ranks since he first was hired as a position coach in 2017 with the Chicago Bears. He spent two seasons in Chicago under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio before he followed Fangio to the Denver Broncos, where he spent one season as outside linebackers coach before joining the Rams’ staff.

Prior to coaching in the NFL, Staley coached for three seasons at John Carroll University, a Division III college in University Heights, Ohio, and also spent a season as defensive coordinator at James Madison University.