Chris O”Leary has officially returned to the Los Angeles Chargers as their new defensive coordinator, a role he stepped into on January 28, following the departure of Jesse Minter to become head coach of the Baltimore Ravens.
Previously, O”Leary served as the safeties coach for the Chargers during the 2024 season. After leaving the team, he took on the role of defensive coordinator at Western Michigan University for the 2025 season. Despite his commitment to Kalamazoo, every Wednesday, O”Leary would analyze game footage from the Chargers to prepare highlights for his players at Western Michigan. He adapted terminology and emphasized the importance of learning from top-level talent.
Reflecting on this practice, O”Leary stated, “Watch the guys at the highest level do it,” a message he communicated to his Broncos players.
O”Leary”s tenure at Western Michigan was brief, lasting only one season, but it was impactful. Under his guidance, the Broncos achieved a Mid-American Conference championship with a record of 10-4, showcasing a defense that allowed an average of 17.4 points per game, ranking ninth in the FBS and second in the MAC. However, the season began with challenges, including a tough loss to Michigan State, which served as a wake-up call.
His hiring back with the Chargers was expedited by Minter”s exit, and O”Leary received full support during the selection process. His connection with Minter dates back to their time together at Indiana State, where O”Leary played as a scout team quarterback and wide receiver while Minter coached alongside his father. Their professional paths crossed again at Georgia State, Florida Tech, and eventually the Chargers.
Now, O”Leary faces the challenge of enhancing one of the NFL”s top defenses, which ranked ninth overall last season, conceding an average of 20 points per game. He outlined his dual focus for the upcoming season: elevating the strengths of the defense and evolving it to better suit the players” capabilities.
“Number one, we”re going to elevate what we do well. The foundation of our defense, we”re going to elevate that,” he explained. “The second thing we”re going to do is evolve the defense. We”re going to add things. We”re going to tailor things to the players, the personnel we have going into the season.”
Furthermore, O”Leary”s connection with players remains strong, as he has already received calls from team members, including Pro Bowl safety Derwin James Jr., who reached out during the interview process. O”Leary expressed a deep commitment to his players, emphasizing the importance of building relationships based on respect and investment.
As O”Leary embarks on this next chapter, he aims to build on the solid foundation left by Minter, pushing the Chargers” defensive unit to new heights.
