Chris O’Leary, the Chargers’ new defensive coordinator, addressed the media on Tuesday.
Returning to the team after a one-year stint as defensive coordinator at Western Michigan University, O’Leary expressed deep gratitude and excitement for what he called a “once in a lifetime opportunity.”
O’Leary highlighted two main attractions to the job. First, the chance to compete for a Super Bowl. Second, the genuine and meaningful relationships within the building.
“From players calling me and reaching out to the staff, to the personnel department, those relationships that are really genuine and meaningful to me, that made it a no brainer,” O’Leary said.
O’Leary, who was Los Angeles’ safeties coach in 2024, maintained contact with former defensive coordinator and now Ravens head coach Jesse Minter, but the opportunity to return arose quickly after his departure.
“When he took the Baltimore job I talked to Joe and talked to some other people, went through the interview process and it happened pretty quick,” O’Leary said.”
O’Leary described the emotional challenge of leaving Western Michigan but emphasized how the immediate enthusiasm from Chargers players mirrored his own, making the transition seamless.
“It was just the calls and texts from those guys that really solidified for me, ‘Man, I’m making the right decision,'” O’Leary said. “People can say what they want about levels and all that but leaving a place you pour your heart and soul into and you have special relationships with the kids and the staff, it’s hard.
“So when I took this job, that was the most challenging part, it was leaving there,” O’Leary added. “But hearing those calls, it was guys I had a similar conversation with a year ago. There was no hesitation, no second guessing and it made it really special.”
Players like Derwin James, Daiyan Henley, Elijah Molden, Tarheeb Still, and Tony Jefferson were quick to express their excitement on social media.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chris O’Leary explains why he took the job as Chargers DC
Reporting by Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
