Chargers Hire Former NFL LB Sean Spence as Linebackers Coach

Spence spent the past 3 seasons coaching pass rushers at Western Michigan

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Los Angeles Chargers have hired former NFL linebacker Sean Spence as their new linebackers coach, replacing NaVorro Bowman who stepped away to spend more time with his family. Spence previously coached pass rushers at Western Michigan, where he helped develop standout edge rusher Nadame Tucker.

Why it matters

The Chargers are looking to bolster their defense after a disappointing season, and the hiring of Spence, who has experience coaching elite pass rushers, could help improve the team's linebacker corps and overall defensive performance.

The details

Spence spent the past three seasons as the pass rush coach at Western Michigan, where he helped develop standout edge rusher Nadame Tucker, who led the nation with 14.5 sacks in 2025 and was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year. Spence will now reunite with new Chargers defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary, who he worked with at Western Michigan.

  • Spence spent the past 3 seasons coaching at Western Michigan.
  • Nadame Tucker had a nation-leading 14.5 sacks in 2025.

The players

Sean Spence

Former NFL linebacker who spent the past 3 seasons coaching pass rushers at Western Michigan.

Nadame Tucker

Western Michigan edge rusher who led the nation with 14.5 sacks in 2025 and was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year.

Chris O'Leary

New defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, previously worked with Spence at Western Michigan.

NaVorro Bowman

Former Chargers linebackers coach who stepped away to spend more time with his family.

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What’s next

Spence will look to apply the lessons he learned developing elite pass rushers at Western Michigan to help improve the Chargers' linebacker corps and overall defensive performance in the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The Chargers are making a strategic hire in Sean Spence, bringing in a coach with a proven track record of developing elite pass rushers, as they look to bolster their defense and return to the playoffs after a disappointing season.