Jim Harbaugh is adding a familiar name back to his coaching staff.
The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Wednesday that they are hiring Chris O’Leary as their new defensive coordinator. O’Leary replaces ex-Chargers DC Jesse Minter, who left earlier this month to become the new head coach of the Baltimore Ravens.
This marks a reunion for the Chargers as O’Leary already served on their coaching staff under their head coach Harbaugh. O’Leary was the safeties coach for the Chargers during the 2024 NFL season.
Last season, O’Leary was the defensive coordinator at Western Michigan, helping lead the Broncos to a 10-4 record and a MAC conference title. He also previously served as a secondary coach for Notre Dame under their head coach Marcus Freeman.
The Chargers’ defense was a strong suit this year under Minter. Though the team would once again lose in the Wild Card round, they ranked ninth during the regular season in total points allowed and fifth in total yards allowed.
Now O’Leary will tasked with replicating that success given that Minter is off to Baltimore. O’Leary will also be teaming up with the Chargers’ new offensive coordinator — former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who recently delivered a brutally honest quote about joining the team.
