Multiple reports confirm that the New Orleans Saints are hiring San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach Brandon Staley as their new defensive coordinator under head coach Kellen Moore. Staley, who spent one season with the 49ers, was not expected to return to head coach Kyle Shanahan's staff in 2025 and had long been considered the frontrunner for the position in New Orleans.
The #Saints are hiring former #Chargers coach Brandon Staley as the defensive coordinator for coach Kellen Moore, per The Insiders.
Staley was an assistant this year with the #49ers, and before LAC, he burst onto the scene as a #Rams DC. Now, lands in NO. pic.twitter.com/ytNtbTMdzm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 21, 2025
Staley began his NFL coaching career as a linebackers coach, serving with the Chicago Bears from 2017 to 2018 and the Denver Broncos in 2019. In 2020, the Los Angeles Rams hired him as their defensive coordinator. Under Staley's leadership, the Rams' defense excelled, finishing the season ranked first in total yards allowed, points allowed, and passing yards allowed while ranking third in rushing yards allowed.
Staley's success with the Rams earned him a head coaching opportunity with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021. However, his tenure with the Chargers ended on December 15, 2023, after the team struggled to a 5-9 start to the season.
In 2024, Staley was considered a candidate for the 49ers' defensive coordinator position but ultimately lost out to Nick Sorensen. Despite this, Shanahan brought Staley onto his staff as an assistant head coach, where he contributed to defensive strategies and provided support across various areas.
After the 2024 season, Staley was again considered for the defensive coordinator role, but the 49ers ultimately hired Robert Saleh to replace Sorensen.
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