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The Chargers announced that Brandon Staley is the new head coach on Sunday night. As a former defensive coordinator for Rams, Staley’s plan to develop the likely offensive rookie of the year, Justin Herbert, is critical.
Apparently, one part of the strategy could be bringing another Rams trainer down 405 to Chargers headquarters.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL media, Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell is a candidate to be Staley’s OC. Although O’Connell does not request plays for Rams, it would be a side play on paper, so coach Sean McVay would have to approve O’Connell’s departure.
McVay has a history of doing this. Before becoming the Packers coach, Matt LaFleur went from Rams’ offensive coordinator in 2017 to the same position with the Titans in 2018 so he could call the shots.
Pelissero reports that O’Connell and Staley are “very close”. But if O’Connell’s move to the Chargers across town is not approved, Staley can retain Shane Steichen as an offensive coordinator.
O’Connell just finished his first year as an offensive coordinator for the Rams, after spending three years as an offensive assistant in Washington.