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Chargers Lose Rising Star on Coaching Staff to College Ranks

By Joe Summers

Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh looks on in the second quarter against the Houston Texans in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh looks on in the second quarter against the Houston Texans in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images / Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
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The Los Angeles Chargers enjoyed a fantastic first season under head coach Jim Harbaugh, making the playoffs in a remarkable turnaround with their sights set on competing for the AFC West in 2025.

Nonetheless, there are still obvious improvements that need to be made on both the roster and coaching staff to help push this team over the top. Some new coaches are likely to join the organization on top of the typical roster turnover, so it'll be interesting to see how Harbaugh handles his first full offseason.

Unfortunately, the Chargers were dealt some bad news on Friday as safeties coach Chris O'Leary is reportedly expected to join the college ranks.

Chargers Safeties Coach Chris O'Leary Leaving for Western Michigan

Pete Thamel of ESPN reported the news that O'Leary will be hired as the defensive coordinator at Western Michigan. As Daniel Popper of The Athletic noted, O'Leary was a rising star instrumental in the development of the defense, particularly Elijah Molden.

2024 was his lone season with the Chargers. O'Leary previously coached at Notre Dame, helping accelerate the development of Xavier Watts and Kyle Hamilton. He played wide receiver at Indiana State then started his coaching career in the 2015-16 season at Georgia State.

It's been a quick rise for the 33-year-old O'Leary, who may ultimately hope to return to the NFL to become a defensive coordinator. Harbaugh now has big shoes to fill, especially considering the importance he places on a quality defense.

Overall, Los Angeles is still in great shape. Justin Herbert, despite his playoff meltdown, is one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL and finally, the Chargers have an identity built in Harbaugh's image.

Now the struggle becomes replacing O'Leary and ensuring that 2024's success can be built on. With numerous free agents and aging players on the defensive end, it'll be a challenge. That said, fans should be confident that Harbaugh is up to the task.

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