Chargers Make A Head Coaching Hire, And It's Someone Most Have Never Heard Of

It never ceases to amaze me that in the NFL, where being an "insider" or "expert" is as commonplace as going vegan, there are still some surprises.

That fact was on display late Sunday, when the Los Angeles Chargers, fresh off firing Anthony Lynn two weeks ago, hired Brandon Staley as the man that they hope will take their team to the next level.

Who?

Yes, Brandon Staley, the defensive coordinator for the cross-town rival Rams. Staley has been such a surprise hire that the Chargers put an article entitled "5 Things to Known About Brandon Staley" on their website in the hopes of familiarizing fans with his biography and accomplishments.

The Rams ranked first in total defense (281.9 yards allowed per game) and first in points allowed per game, allowing just 18.5 points per contest during the regular season. Staley has certainly coordinated a remarkably good defense this year, but some guy named Aaron Donald likely had a lot to do with that.

So why did the Bolts go off the board and bring in an unknown? Great question, and one that I guess they will have to answer when Staley gets on a zoom call with the media later today.

For now, they are hopeful that the surprise hire will put them back on the map in the AFC West after a couple of tough seasons under Lynn.

We will see if Staley makes a name for himself, or if the head scratching hire eventually flames out.