Chargers' Staley eager to work with Herbert: 'He is unlike anybody in the NFL'
Although new Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley has only coached the defensive side of the ball in the NFL, he's excited about the opportunity to build an offensive system around quarterback Justin Herbert.
"My vision for the offense really fits Justin and what he can do well," Staley said Thursday, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "Creating a system for Justin and uniquely shaping it for his skill set, because he is unlike anybody in the NFL."
Staley was the defensive coordinator for the NFL's top-ranked scoring defense with the Los Angeles Rams in 2020 and previously served as the outside linebackers coach for the Chicago Bears (2017-18) and Denver Broncos (2019).
The Chargers hired the 38-year-old on Sunday, replacing former head coach Anthony Lynn.
Staley played quarterback at Dayton before transitioning to the sideline, posting a 16-5 record as a starter over two seasons (2003-04). The Ohio native now believes his brief playing experience will help him in Los Angeles.
"That's what I was so excited about, to convey in this process, was my offensive vision, because I do consider myself an offensive coach," Staley added. "I've had some great teachers who have taught me a lot of offensive football."
The Chargers enter the offseason with a positive outlook on their future after Herbert's historic rookie campaign in 2020. The sixth overall pick threw for 4,336 yards and a rookie record 31 touchdowns while earning a 6-9 starting record.
Los Angeles has yet to decide whether the organization will keep offensive coordinator Shane Steichen.