Chargers Fire Coach Brandon Staley After Ugly Loss to Raiders

The Los Angeles Chargers will be looking for a new head coach this offseason.

The Chargers will be looking for a new head coach this offseason.

Los Angeles fired coach Brandon Staley on Friday, sources told Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer, hours after suffering a 63–21 loss to the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Thursday Night Football. The team subsequently confirmed the move on social media.

General manager Tom Telesco also was fired as the Chargers prepare to undergo massive changes to football operations amid a lost season. Chargers owner Dean Spanos thanked Staley and Telesco in a statement.

pic.twitter.com/gJAwEtOuko

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 15, 2023

Staley was hired as the Chargers’ head coach in January 2021. In just under three complete seasons, he compiled a 24–24 record, including 5–9 this season. Defensive line coach Jay Rodgers also has been relieved of his duties, the team said.

Giff Smith will serve as interim head coach, and JoJo Wooden has been named interim general manager, the team announced.

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Staley coached college football from 2006 to ’16 before being hired as the Bears’ outside linebackers coach in ’17. He joined the Broncos in ’19 and served as the Rams’ defensive coordinator under coach Sean McVay in ’20 before taking the reins with the Chargers.

The Los Angeles Chargers have fired coach Brandon Staley following a 63-21 drubbing at the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night :: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

Staley is the third NFL head coach to be fired this season, joining Josh McDaniels (Raiders) and Frank Reich (Panthers).

The Chargers play host to the Bills on Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. ET.