Why Chargers DC Chris O’Leary is Fired Up For ‘Once in a Lifetime’ Opportunity

The Chargers defense, of course, put together another strong season as one of the NFL’s best, and O’Leary named a couple who stood out to him when watching the film.

“I think there’s a lot of really good personnel,” O’Leary said. “[Odafe] Oweh flashed … there’s certain guys on this defense that have really interesting skillsets. I think Elijah, Derwin, Cam [Hart], Khalil [Mack] … all those guys are still playing at really high levels. Daiyan [Henley].

“I just think there’s a lot of pieces we’re really going to be able to work with and develop their game,” he added. “When I watched them, I had a similar feel to when I was here. It’s kind of the same guys just doing what they do.”

Not to mention James, who has earned two straight Second-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors, and with whom O’Leary worked with closely as his position coach in 2024.

“Every single day, you win, you lose, whatever … he’s the ultimate competitor,” O’Leary said. “Spending the year I did with him here — I hate saying favorites — but one of my favorite players I’ve ever worked with and coached because of how contagious his energy is and how great he wants to be.

“I can’t put it into words and I’m ready to get started right now,” O’Leary added.

The defensive personnel has changed some from when O’Leary was with the team a pair of years ago but the confidence remains he can evolve the elite play the defense has shown.

He’s fired up and ready to get to work and take it to the next level.

“I think, as a coach, you operate with a certain level of respect, accountability, demand on the players,” O’Leary said. “When you transition roles from a position coach to a coordinator, there’s not a lot that changes as far as your interactions with them.

“I think all the guys here see me as a coach, see me as a guy that’s going to push them and elevate them and rally pull the most out of them,” O’Leary continued. “Again, as a player, that’s what you want.”

He later added: “We’re really focused on taking what we built and the foundation that’s laid and taking it to another level.”