Chargers Name Western Michigan’s Chris O’Leary as Defensive Coordinator
Chargers hire Chris O’Leary as DC
The Los Angeles Chargers have officially agreed to terms with Chris O’Leary to be the team’s new defensive coordinator , the organization announced Wednesday night. O’Leary, who spent the 2025 season as the defensive coordinator at Western Michigan , returns to the Chargers after previously coaching the team’s safeties during the 2024 NFL season under head coach Jim Harbaugh . A Defensive Mind on the Rise At Western Michigan, O’Leary’s impact was immediate. In his lone season as the Broncos’ DC, his defense ranked ninth in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in scoring defense and second in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) , allowing just 17.4 points per game . The unit also finished 19th nationally in total net yards allowed per game, helping Western Michigan to a 10–4 record and a MAC championship . Before his success in Kalamazoo , O’Leary spent six seasons on the defensive coaching staff at Notre Dame , working his way from defensive analyst to defensive backs and safeties coach. He also…
