The Los Angeles Rams have a defensive coordinator currently on staff. His name is Raheem Morris. The Los Angeles Chargers currently have a head coach. His name is Brandon Staley.
So how and why would Staley return to the Rams as their defensive coordinator? It doesn’t seem to make much sense logistically right now, but some fans are hoping Staley makes his way back to the Rams’ side of SoFi Stadium this offseason.
In order for that to happen, the Chargers would need to fire him, which is very much a possibility after Los Angeles blew a 27-0 lead to the Jaguars on Saturday night, getting bounced in the first round of the playoffs. Staley was already on the hot seat, especially after playing his starters in a meaningless Week 18 game, which resulted in Mike Williams getting hurt. But after that collapse, his seat is burning hot.
As for the Rams, Morris has landed two head coaching interviews: one with the Colts and one with the Broncos. If he’s hired by one of those teams, or another that gives him an interview, the Rams will need a new defensive coordinator.
Enter…Staley? He was the Rams’ DC in 2020 when they allowed the fewest yards and points in the NFL. It would be a seamless fit, but there are hurdles that still need to be cleared.
That’s not stopping fans from hoping it somehow happens, though.
“The Los Angeles Rams are bringing back Brandon Staley as their new DC”
Me: pic.twitter.com/Qejur0ZbFD
— Cesar 🥱 (@ClappedCesar) January 15, 2023
Brandon Staley being welcomed back to the Rams next year pic.twitter.com/OndsqfWCaq
— Christian Gonzalez (@Christian_Gee17) January 15, 2023
Welcome to the Rams, Brandon Staley (if Raheem becomes a head coach somewhere else)
— HoldenCantor (@HoldenCantor) January 15, 2023
There are a lot of potential DC options for the Rams going into next year, pending Raheem Morris' HC interviews:
Vic Fangio (might be paired with Sean Payton)
Ejiro Evero (might be an HC, might not be granted DC interview w/ LA)
Brandon Staley (might get fired)
Raheem Morris— Sosa Kremenjas (@QBsMVP) January 15, 2023
Definitely the kind of last two weeks a coach with a ridiculous QB can't afford to have with Sean Payton and the like sitting out here. I'd probably move Staley on and someone probably gets an incredible DC. Maybe even a McVay/Rams reunion.
— Ryan Burns (@FtblSickness) January 15, 2023
