O’Leary returns to SoFi Stadium after a season running Western Michigan’s defense, continuing a prior stint with Harbaugh in 2024 when he served as the team’s safeties coach. His familiarity with the organization and Harbaugh’s defensive approach positions him to hit the ground running in 2026.
At Western Michigan in 2025, O’Leary guided a 10-4 team to a Mid-American Conference title, with a defense that ranked ninth nationally in scoring and excelled in yards allowed. The experience adds a play-caller pedigree to the Chargers’ staff as they reshape their unit for the next phase.
The Chargers’ 2024 defense was a distinguishing strength, leading the NFL in scoring defense and limiting opponents in the red zone. Derwin James Jr. thrived under O’Leary’s influence, earning a Pro Bowl nod and All-Pro recognition amid a standout season that reinforced the unit’s elite status.
The team publicly announced the hire on social media, posting: “On lock… we’ve agreed to terms with Chris O’Leary to be our defensive coordinator,” with the club’s official X account confirming the agreement on January 29, 2026.
This move solidifies Harbaugh’s defensive vision for the Chargers and sets a clear tone for the franchise’s direction in Los Angeles. With O’Leary back in the fold, the defense aims to maintain its high standards while integrating new experiences from his time in college and his prior NFL exposure.
