Chargers Appoint Chris O’Leary as Defensive Coordinator
The Los Angeles Chargers have finalized a deal to make Chris O’Leary their new defensive coordinator. O’Leary, who served as the safeties coach in the 2024 season under Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, is rejoining the team after spending the previous year as the defensive coordinator for Western Michigan.
Success at Western Michigan
During his tenure at Western Michigan in 2025, O’Leary led a defense that propelled the Broncos to a 10-4 record and clinched their fourth Mid-American Conference Championship. His leadership transformed the defensive unit into a top contender, placing ninth in the FBS and second in the MAC for scoring defense, allowing an average of 17.4 points per game. Additionally, the defense ranked second in the MAC for total net yards allowed per game at 305.5, which was 19th nationally.
Impact with the Chargers
In his role as safeties coach for the Chargers in 2024, O’Leary helped the team achieve the best scoring defense in the NFL, allowing just 17.7 points per game. The Chargers excelled in red zone defense, conceding touchdowns on only 45.0% of red zone drives. O’Leary also played a key role in the development of safety Derwin James Jr., who earned his fourth Pro Bowl selection and was named to the Associated Press second-team All-Pro after becoming one of only four NFL players to record 70 tackles, five sacks, an interception, and five passes defended in a single season.
Achievements at Notre Dame
O’Leary was crucial in guiding the Notre Dame defense to a top-10 ranking nationally during the 2023 season in various categories, including passing yards allowed per game (fourth), red zone defense (second), and total defense (eighth). The unit had a historic season, allowing just 5.4 passing yards per attempt and leading the country in defensive passing efficiency. O’Leary also nurtured the talent of Xavier Watts, a former wide receiver who led the nation with seven interceptions and received All-American honors along with the Bronko Nagurski Trophy.
Early Coaching Career
In his introductory season as the defensive backs coach in 2021, O’Leary’s unit ranked tenth in the nation for takeaways (25) and defensive third-down percentage. His work with Kyle Hamilton helped the safety earn consensus All-American status, despite competing in only seven games. O’Leary also assisted DJ Brown in achieving a career-high 42 tackles and three interceptions, tying for the team lead in picks.
Coaching Background
O’Leary began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Georgia State in 2015-16, first coaching the defensive line and later the defensive backs. He then served as the safeties coach at Florida Tech in 2017. Following his coaching career, O’Leary played college football at Indiana State University (2010-14), where he recorded 33 receptions for 243 yards as a senior wide receiver and threw a touchdown pass against Northern Iowa.
Personal Life
O’Leary, a three-year letterwinner at North Vigo High, earned honorable mention all-state and was named Most Valuable Player in Vigo County during his dual-threat quarterback career. He also garnered three varsity letters in basketball. He resides with his wife, Jessie, and their two sons, Jack and Grant.
