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Brandon Staley has been trying to establish a culture since the day he was hired as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers in January 2021.
The mantra she uses is “our way”.
“As a team leader, since I was hired, I have tried every day to set an example of what we want our team to look like. My big coming here was our way, which is relationships and competition. Making sure you live that mission every day and that you are an example,” Staley told USA TODAY Sports. “I know I’ve been thinking about it when I wake up and go to sleep.”
Staley is 19-15 in two seasons as the Chargers’ head coach, going 10-7 en route to the playoffs this year.
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“Our way” requires unconventional decisions
Part of Staley’s way is to make unconventional decisions. He built a reputation for being aggressive on his fourth downs. The Chargers had 29 regular-season fourth loss attempts, the second-highest in the AFC, and he boldly opted for a two-point game instead of settling for an extra point to tie with the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12. Staley’s gamble paid off for the Arizona win, as did over half of the team’s fourth drop attempts (51.7% conversion rate).
“For me, you have to establish the mindset in the football team. The most important thing is that you are not afraid of failure and will try to play on your terms, not on someone else’s,” Staley said. “The way we play, we want to dictate the terms of the game – force teams to defend us, not the other way around. And then, showing the confidence you have throughout your soccer team.
Staley’s in-game picks again came to the fore in a meaningless Week 18 game against the Denver Broncos as he opted to play his starters for most of the competition despite securing a 5th seed in the AFC Playoffs. Wide-angle Mike Williams (back) and Kenneth Murray Jr. (stinger) left with injuries, but both are expected to play on Saturday as indicated by Staley.
“These decisions are mine,” Staley said. “Of course, working with our coaching staff, front office and owners. (Sunday) is an example of the NFL’s tough side, balancing competition and keeping the team at their best, going into the playoffs and trying to build a culture within the football team and organization and the way you want to do things. We tried to find that balance (Sunday).
Justin Herbert supports Staley
Quarterback Justin Herbert fully supports Staley’s in-game coaching choices, including the decision to play as a starter for much of the game in Week 18.
“I know everyone on this team wanted to go out and compete (Sunday). They wanted to fight. We believe in the front office and training staff. Whatever they decide, we support them 100 percent,” Herbert said. “We love the game, we love to compete with each other, we have a special dressing room.”
Coincidentally, Staley’s coaching choices are influenced by the fact that he has Herbert on the roster. Herbert has the most passing touchdowns (14,089) and the most total touchdowns (102) in NFL history for a player in his first three seasons.
“He’s one of the best players in the NFL, not just one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He’s one of the best players in the NFL,” Staley said of Herbert. “For a guy like Justin Herbert, there are no boundaries. He is as fierce and competitive as he is, the way he attacks his game every day. He will get better and better and better. I’m excited that he can lead us.”
This Saturday, Staley and Herbert will lead the Chargers franchise making their first playoff appearance since 2018. Saturday’s AFC wild card game against the Jacksonville Jaguars will be Staley’s first playoff game as head coach and Herbert’s post-season debut.
USA TODAY Sports asked Staley if he felt pressured to win ahead of Saturday’s playoff game. It should come as no surprise that Staley reacted in his own unique way.
“I feel pressure to perform at a high level every day. Performances are expected every day in the NFL,” Staley said. “I want to perform at a high level for everyone in our organization. This is my mindset to give my best for the people who are in the organization – whether it’s a coach, player, staff and fans. That’s what you want to be able to do.”
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on Twitter @TylerDragon.
