Soon enough, the Los Angeles Chargers will begin interviewing potential head coaching candidates to replace Brandon Staley and interim coach Giff Smith. Armed with Justin Herbert at their side, the Chargers have to be considered one of the more favorable coaching situations among expected vacancies in the 2024 hiring cycle.
Not to mention, who wouldn’t want to coach in the beautiful, sunny atmosphere of L.A., with a state-of-the-art facility like SoFi Stadium?
Yet, there are plenty of other challenges involved with becoming the next Chargers coach. For one, their salary cap situation could force out several talented players, and let’s be honest, Coach Staley couldn’t get this current roster to produce. How can we be sure the next candidate will immediately be better?
Los Angeles Chargers want a head coach with previous experience
Well, the Chargers are trying to take steps to prevent a potential hiring disaster where they somehow end up even worse than the version that’s finishing in last place of the AFC West. In doing so, the Chargers plan to cast a wide net while combing through potential Chargers coaching candidates.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Chargers “prefer” to hire someone who already has previous NFL head coaching experience. The goal, if possible, is to avoid hiring a first-time head coach.
Yet, just because they would like someone with at least a bit of experience, it doesn’t mean others, like Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, won’t still get an opportunity to make a strong impression.
In the end, whoever impresses the Chargers most is likely to get the job, no matter what previous qualifications they have. As long as the interest is mutual, the Chargers may be able to land their top target.