Los Angeles Chargers coach Brandon Staley heated exchange reporter close loss

Chargers' coach Brandon Staley under fire as defense struggles, expectations unmet, and team continues to lose. Will he give up play-calling?

Los Angeles Chargers' head coach Brandon Staley is under immense pressure following a disappointing season. The Chargers, who were coming off a playoff berth in 2022, had high expectations for 2023. However, their underachieving season continued with a 23-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

The Chargers struggled to hold on to a 20-16 lead in the fourth quarter, allowing the Packers to drive 75 yards on just six plays, culminating in a 24-yard scoring pass from Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love to wide receiver Romeo Doubs with 2:33 remaining in the game.

Staley's defense, which has been one of the worst in the NFL, has been a major point of concern. When questioned about giving up play-calling, Staley expressed full confidence in his way of playing and in himself as the play-caller. Despite his confidence, the defense has struggled, giving up 397 total yards to the Packers, with Love posting 322 passing yards. This performance comes on the heels of allowing 533 yards of offense during their 41-38 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 10.

Staley, who was hired for his reputation as a defensive specialist, has not been able to live up to expectations, despite the Chargers investing heavily in the unit with big contracts to edge rushers Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, as well as safety Derwin James.

The Chargers are currently 25th in points allowed, 31st in yards, 30th in defensive efficiency, and 31st in yards allowed per play in 2023. They have a 2-5 record in one-score games this season, and are 1-3 when scoring 30 or more points since the beginning of last season's playoffs.

Overall, the Chargers have lost two consecutive games and four of their past six games, leaving Staley and the team feeling the pressure of a disappointing season.