Jim Harbaugh fills Chargers DC role with Western Michigan assistant
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Former Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh is bringing a Western Michigan assistant back onto his staff.
The Los Angeles Chargers announced the hiring of Western Michigan defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary as their new defensive coordinator on Thursday, Jan. 29. O'Leary spent one season as the Broncos defensive coordinator and safeties coach in 2025 and leaves one month after the Broncos finished a 10-4 season, winning their first MAC championship since 2016.
O'Leary previously worked with Harbaugh as the Chargers' safeties coach in 2024, his only year in the NFL. Before that he was an assistant coach at Division II Florida Tech in 2017 and at Notre Dame from 2018-23.
Under O'Leary, the Broncos had one of the best defenses in the MAC in 2025, finishing second in points allowed (17.4) and total yards allowed (305.5) per game. O'Leary also oversaw the development of Western Michigan edge rusher Nadame Tucker, who in his senior season in 2025 led all FBS players in tackles for loss (21) and sacks (14½).
O'Leary is replacing former Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who became the new coach of the Baltimore Ravens on Jan. 22. O'Leary worked under Minter with the Chargers in 2024 before taking the Western Michigan job.
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You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jim Harbaugh fills Chargers DC role with Western Michigan assistant
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