Is Brandon Staley’s Job Safe?

Photo from Ronald Martinez Getty Images

Los Angeles, California (PSF) — Following the Los Angeles Chargers’ embarrassing playoff collapse, many fans are left questioning what the future holds for head coach Brandon Staley. Though he has put together winning seasons in both of his years with the Chargers, there is a growing belief that the team has still underperformed. 

Grading Staley’s 2022 performance is a rather complicated task. A season that started with high hopes quickly went downhill after the Chargers dealt with a bevy of injuries. Joey Bosa, Rashawn Slater, J.C. Jackson, and Keenan Allen were just some of the players who missed serious time during the season. Additionally, star quarterback Justin Herbert suffered a rib injury in Week 2 that he had to deal with for the remainder of the season.

In short, the Chargers were decimated by injuries. This is why many credited Staley for keeping the team steady with multiple key absences. Los Angeles went 10-7 on the season and secured the five seed in the loaded AFC playoff picture.

This led to the belief that Staley had done enough to keep his job for at least another year. After the Chargers got out to a 27-point lead, they appeared to be bound for the divisional round. The defense was simply dominant, and it felt like everything was going the Chargers’ way.

But things can change at a moment's notice in the NFL. The Jaguars came storming back, and Trevor Lawrence, who looked lost in the first half, was sensational to close out the game. Jacksonville kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired to win 31-30.

The Chargers meltdown can’t be pinned on one individual, but when an entire team falls apart in such a significant game, it’s hard to stop much of the blame from going on the head coach.  

It is unclear what the Chargers will do with their coaching staff, but it is not a given that their head coach is returning. The disappointing season and playoff catastrophe have Staley on the hot seat.