Reports: Saints to tab Brandon Staley as defensive coordinator

Field Level Media|published: Fri 21st February, 14:17 2025

NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Indianapolis Colts

Dec 26, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley reacts during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Saints are hiring Brandon Staley as their defensive coordinator, multiple media outlets reported on Friday.

Staley, 42, joins new head coach Kellen Moore's staff after spending two-plus seasons (2021-23) as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. The two previously were linked after Staley hired Moore to be the Chargers' offensive coordinator in 2023.

Staley, however, was fired after the team limped to a 5-9 record to start that season. He posted a 24-24 overall record as the team's head coach following a one-season stint as the defensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams.

During that 2020 season, the Rams boasted the NFL's top-ranked defense in terms of yards and points allowed.

Staley will oversee a Saints defense that finished 19th in points allowed (23.4) and 30th in yards allowed (379.9) last season.

He joins New Orleans after spending last season as an assistant head coach with the San Francisco 49ers.

--Field Level Media