Chargers Hire Minter Disciple Chris O'Leary as Defensive Coordinator

O'Leary brings Minter's defensive philosophy and coaching tree to Los Angeles

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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The Los Angeles Chargers have hired Chris O'Leary as their new defensive coordinator, making him the first play-calling branch of the Jesse Minter coaching tree. O'Leary previously served as Minter's safeties coach with the Chargers in 2024 before leaving to become the defensive coordinator at Western Michigan, where he implemented a similar defensive scheme. Now, O'Leary returns to the Chargers to continue the defensive vision Minter established during his two seasons as the team's coordinator.

Why it matters

The Chargers were intent on maintaining continuity in their defensive scheme after Minter left to become the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. By hiring O'Leary, the Chargers are ensuring a seamless transition as they look to build on the success of their top-10 scoring defense from 2024.

The details

O'Leary and Minter have a long-standing relationship dating back to 2010 when O'Leary was a player at Indiana State and Minter was the secondary coach. Minter later gave O'Leary his first coaching job as a graduate assistant at Georgia State. After spending six seasons at Notre Dame, O'Leary reunited with Minter on the Chargers' staff in 2024 as the safeties coach. When Minter left for Baltimore, O'Leary took a defensive coordinator job at Western Michigan, where he implemented a defense very similar to Minter's scheme in Los Angeles.

  • In 2024, Minter brought O'Leary onto the Chargers' staff as safeties coach.
  • At the end of 2024, O'Leary left the Chargers to become the defensive coordinator at Western Michigan.
  • In 2025, O'Leary built a top-10 scoring defense at Western Michigan while implementing a scheme similar to Minter's in Los Angeles.
  • In 2026, the Chargers hired O'Leary as their new defensive coordinator to replace Minter.

The players

Chris O'Leary

The new defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, who previously served as Minter's safeties coach in 2024 before leaving to become the defensive coordinator at Western Michigan.

Jesse Minter

The former defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, who left to become the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens.

Derwin James Jr.

The All-Pro safety for the Los Angeles Chargers, whose role was tailored to his strengths by O'Leary in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“I've seen him as a mentor of mine for my entire coaching career.”

— Chris O'Leary, Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers (nytimes.com)

“The standards that you demand, that separators that we apply, all of those things show up in the game, and you can't get it back.”

— Chris O'Leary, Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers (nytimes.com)

What’s next

The Chargers will look to build on their top-10 scoring defense from 2024 as O'Leary takes over the reins of the unit. All eyes will be on how he continues to develop Derwin James Jr. and the rest of the Chargers' defensive talent.

The takeaway

By hiring Chris O'Leary, a longtime disciple of former defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, the Chargers are ensuring a smooth transition and the continuation of the defensive philosophy that made them one of the league's top units in 2024. O'Leary's experience implementing a similar scheme at Western Michigan suggests he is well-equipped to lead the Chargers' defense going forward.