Overview
- O’Leary returns after serving as the Chargers’ safeties coach in 2024, when the defense led the NFL by allowing 17.7 points per game.
- He spent 2025 as Western Michigan’s defensive coordinator, helping the Broncos go 10-4 with a MAC title and ranking ninth in FBS scoring defense at 17.4 points allowed.
- The hire fills the vacancy left by Jesse Minter’s departure to become the Ravens’ head coach after overseeing a top-five unit in 2025.
- Los Angeles interviewed a broad slate of candidates, including Steve Clinkscale, Adam Fuller, Jim Leonhard, Zach Orr, Aubrey Pleasant, Dylan Roney and Dennard Wilson, before selecting O’Leary.
- The staff reshaping continues with recent additions that include offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, and early player reaction to O’Leary’s return has been positive.