# Chris O’leary Named Los Angeles Chargers Defensive Coordinator
A proven defensive mind with experience at both the professional and collegiate levels, Chris O’Leary has been tapped to lead the Chargers’ defence.
The Los Angeles Chargers announced today they have agreed to terms with Chris O’Leary as their new defensive coordinator. O’Leary returns to the Chargers organization after serving as the defensive coordinator at Western Michigan in 2025, and previously held the position of safeties coach for the team during the 2024 season under Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.
Did you know? O’Leary guided western Michigan to a 10-4 record and a Mid-American Conference Championship in 2025. His defense ranked ninth in the FBS in scoring, allowing just 17.4 points per game.
O’Leary’s recent success at Western Michigan is especially noteworthy. In 2025, he guided the Broncos to a 10-4 record and a Mid-American conference Championship – the program’s fourth conference title in its history. His impact was immediate, transforming the Broncos’ defense into a unit ranked ninth in the FBS and second in the MAC in scoring defense, allowing just 17.4 points per game. The defense also excelled in total net yards allowed,ranking 19th nationally at 305.5 yards per game.
Reader question In 2024, O’Leary was the safeties coach for the Chargers, helping them lead the NFL in scoring defense, conceding only 17.7 points per game.
Prior to his time at Western Michigan, O’Leary made a significant contribution to the Chargers’ defensive prowess in 2024. As safeties coach, he helped build a unit that led the NFL in scoring defense, conceding a mere 17.7 points per game. The Chargers also boasted the league’s top red zone defense,limiting opponents to touchdowns on only 45.0% of drives inside the 20-yard line.
O’Leary’s coaching acumen was instrumental in the development of several key players, most notably safety Derwin James jr. James earned his fourth Pro Bowl selection and was named a second-team All-Pro by the Associated press, becoming one of only four NFL players – and the sole defensive back – to record at least 70 tackles, five sacks, an interception, and five passes defensed in 2024. James’s remarkable performance culminated in being named AFC Defensive Player of the Month for December/January, after amassing three sacks, seven tackles for loss, an interception, and two pass breakups in the final six weeks of the season.
His resume extends beyond the NFL,showcasing a consistent ability to elevate defensive performance at the collegiate level. While with Notre Dame in 2023, O’Leary helped the Irish finish in the national top-10 in several key defensive categories: fourth in passing yards allowed per game, second in red zone defense, and eighth in total defense. The unit achieved a program-best 5.4 passing yards per attempt and led the nation in defensive passing efficiency. O’Leary also played a key role in the development of Xavier Watts, a wide receiver-turned-safety who led the nation with seven interceptions and was awarded the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, recognizing the nation’s top defensive player.
Earlier in his career, in 2021, O’Leary’s guidance of the defensive backs resulted in a unit ranking tenth nationally in takeaways (25) and defensive third-down percentage. He mentored Kyle Hamilton to consensus all-American honors, despite Hamilton appearing in only seven games. He also helped safety DJ Brown achieve a career-high 42 tackles and three interceptions.
O’Leary’s coaching journey began with graduate assistant roles at georgia State (2015-16) and Notre dame (2020), where he contributed to defenses that reached the College Football Playoff. He also served as a defensive analyst for the Fighting Irish,and as a safeties coach at Florida Tech in 2017.
