Chris O”Leary has made a significant return to the Los Angeles Chargers, stepping in as the team”s new defensive coordinator following the departure of Jesse Minter, who left to lead the Baltimore Ravens. O”Leary previously served as the safeties coach for the Chargers before accepting a position at Western Michigan for the 2025 season.
While he was dedicated to his role with the Broncos, O”Leary often felt the pull of Southern California. Each Wednesday during the last season, he would analyze game footage of the Chargers, preparing highlights for his players at Western Michigan. He would modify the terminology slightly to fit his team and emphasize the importance of learning from the best. “Watch the guys at the highest level do it,” he would tell his players.
O”Leary”s tenure at Western Michigan lasted only one season, as he returned to the Chargers on January 28, shortly after Minter”s exit. Their professional journey began years ago when O”Leary played as a scout team quarterback and wide receiver at Indiana State, where Minter was an assistant coach. They reunited at Georgia State, and their partnership continued through various coaching positions, including at Florida Tech and Notre Dame, before they both landed with the Chargers.
During his one season at Western Michigan, O”Leary”s defensive unit contributed to a Mid-American Conference championship and a commendable 10-4 record. The defense allowed an average of 17.4 points per game, ranking ninth in the FBS and second in the MAC. However, the season started with challenges, including a tough loss to Michigan State, which served as a wake-up call for the team.
With Minter”s exit anticipated by head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz, the opportunity for O”Leary”s return came swiftly. Despite having other offers, he described rejoining the Chargers as “a no-brainer.” His return was marked by immediate outreach from players, notably Pro Bowl safety Derwin James Jr., who even called during O”Leary”s interview.
Now, O”Leary faces the challenge of enhancing one of the NFL”s top defenses. Last season, the Chargers ranked ninth overall, allowing an average of 20 points per game, which helped propel the team to its second consecutive 11-win season. “There are two things we”re going to focus on,” O”Leary said. “Number one, we”re going to elevate what we do well. The foundation of our defense, we”re going to elevate that.” He emphasized the need to evolve the defense by tailoring strategies to the unique strengths of the players.
When asked about potential free agents, including standout outside linebackers Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh, O”Leary laughed off the notion of reaching out to them directly, leaving that task to the management as free agency approaches.
“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,” O”Leary stated. He expressed the emotional connection he formed with his players at Western Michigan, noting the investment coaches make in their teams. “They want a coach who loves them, respects them as a person, who wants what”s best for them and, ultimately, makes them better.”
