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Chargers Hire Chris O'Leary as New Defensive Coordinator
O'Leary returns to the Chargers after a one-year stint as Western Michigan's defensive coordinator.
Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:55pm
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The Los Angeles Chargers have hired Chris O'Leary as their new defensive coordinator, replacing Jesse Minter who left to become the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. O'Leary previously served as the Chargers' safeties coach in 2024 before taking the defensive coordinator job at Western Michigan for the 2025 season. He is now tasked with elevating the Chargers' already stout defense to an even higher level.
Why it matters
The Chargers had the NFL's 9th-best defense in 2025, giving up just 20 points per game on average. Retaining and improving this unit will be crucial as the team aims to make another playoff push. O'Leary's prior experience with the Chargers and strong track record at Western Michigan make him an ideal candidate to build on the team's defensive success.
The details
O'Leary spent the 2025 season as Western Michigan's defensive coordinator, helping the Broncos win the Mid-American Conference championship. Prior to that, he had worked alongside new Ravens head coach Jesse Minter at several stops, including Georgia State and Florida Tech. O'Leary said his focus will be on elevating the Chargers' existing defensive foundation while also evolving the scheme to fit the team's personnel.
- O'Leary was the Chargers' safeties coach in 2024.
- O'Leary spent the 2025 season as Western Michigan's defensive coordinator.
- Minter left the Chargers to become the Ravens' head coach in 2026.
The players
Chris O'Leary
The new defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, who previously served as their safeties coach in 2024 before spending 2025 as Western Michigan's defensive coordinator.
Jesse Minter
The former Chargers defensive coordinator who left to become the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens in 2026.
Derwin James Jr.
The Pro Bowl safety for the Los Angeles Chargers who immediately reached out to O'Leary about his return to the team.
Khalil Mack
The star outside linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers who is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
Odafe Oweh
The other star outside linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers who is also set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
What they’re saying
“I think all the guys here see me as a coach, see me as a guy who's going to push them and really pull the most out of them.”
— Chris O'Leary, Chargers Defensive Coordinator
“I think he called during the interview.”
— Chris O'Leary, Chargers Defensive Coordinator
What’s next
The Chargers will need to work quickly to re-sign pending free agents Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh before the start of free agency on March 11.
The takeaway
The Chargers are banking on continuity and familiarity as they look to build on their defensive success from 2025. O'Leary's prior experience with the team and strong track record should help him elevate the unit even further in 2026.
