Saints Hire Brandon Staley as Defensive Coordinator

The former Chargers head coach joins Kellen Moore's staff to revitalize New Orleans' struggling defense.

Brandon Staley, previously the Chargers' head coach, has been hired as the New Orleans Saints' defensive coordinator under new head coach Kellen Moore.
Staley and Moore worked together in 2023 with the Chargers, where Staley served as head coach and Moore as offensive coordinator.
Staley's prior success includes leading the Rams' top-ranked defense in 2020, though his tenure with the Chargers ended after a disappointing 2023 season.
The Saints' defense ranked 30th in total yards allowed in 2024, creating a significant challenge for Staley in his new role.
This hiring has raised questions about the Saints' compliance with the NFL's Rooney Rule, as minority candidates were interviewed but Staley was considered the frontrunner early in the process.