Chargers News: Columnist Poses Questions Towards LA Front Office Pertaining to HC Position

Can the team win with Staley?

When Brandon Staley took over as the head coach for the Los Angeles Chargers, there was much optimism that surrounded the decision. Yet, fast forward two seasons and Staley has been at the center of much controversy and could very well be on the hot seat as we enter 2023. 

He holds a record of 19-16 over the two years, including one playoff appearance that ended in a loss. Many teams would take that type of success but for a team like LA with championship aspirations, just being good isn't good enough. 

Many believed that Staley would be let go after the Chargers collapsed in the AFC Wild Card game last season to the Jacksonville Jaguars. But he wasn't and is being given another chance to prove himself. However, some don't believe this is the correct course of action. Nicholas Mullick of Off Grid doesn't believe the Chargers can win with Staley at the helm.

"Heck after his shenanigans Week 18 which playing starters in a meaningless game, should have been the moment they realized that

Brandon Staley

is not the guy as the head coach. It resulted in Joey Bosa and Kenneth Murray playing hurt and Mike Williams not playing in the playoffs with his back injury. The Chargers will never win with Staley as the head coach. Especially in a league where coaching matters so much."

Per Mullick

I think that Mullick makes some sense here but I also think that Staley has proved some value as a head coach. He is only entering his third year as a leading man but teams only have a short leash for success nowadays. 

Yes, Staley has made some boneheaded decisions such as playing starters in a meaningless week 18 game last season. But coaches do that type of stuff all the time. He was trying to keep his guys fresh for the playoffs and it just backfired. Things can happen and injuries are out of his control.

I think the Chargers can win with Staley but he needs to show a level of maturity this season. He can no longer make risky moves with the game on the line and expect it to just be okay. This is a make or break season for both Staley and the Chargers. Unless LA goes on a deep playoff run, Staley could be receiving a one way ticket out of Los Angeles.