The NFL may be bracing itself for its third in-season head coaching removal for 2023. The Los Angeles Chargers found themselves on the wrong side of Las Vegas Raiders history on Thursday Night Football. The Silver and Black’s 63-21 trouncing of the Bolts witnessed the most points the Raiders have ever scored in a game.
But for the Chargers, they’re already dealing with growing chatter from fans who want to see head coach Brandon Staley gone. This TNF embarrassment may have officially sealed his fate.
Amazon Crew Among Those Calling Out Brandon Staley
Even Staley wasn’t safe from harsh critique by the Amazon NFL crew. Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit pointed out how Staley has crumbled in his area of expertise in defense.
Staley just three years ago produced the NFL’s best defense with the Los Angeles Rams. But the broadcast duo watched a unit that unraveled right away at Allegiant Stadium.
“That defense, and that’s Brandon Staley’s pedigree…they’re 29th in yards allowed, 29th in passing, and they look like it,” were Michael’s words as the Chargers fell behind 21-0.
Amazon Prime NFL analyst and Super Bowl-winning cornerback Richard Sherman called for another part of history to be made during the game.
“They should fire him [Brandon Staley] at halftime,” Sherman called out.
No coach in NFL history has ever been canned during the game, and Staley managed to make it all the way through the game without getting fired.
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With that said, as the points piled up for the Raiders, players were seen mentally checking out of the game…and likely giving up on Staley.
The Chargers sideline has HAD it with Staley… pic.twitter.com/nL64KaloQx
— Tanner Phifer Highlight Hub – @TannerPhiferNFL (@hub_pf40320) December 15, 2023
As for viewers of the TNF romp, NFL Memes was one that predicted Staley’s next job with this edit.
Brandon Staley next Sunday pic.twitter.com/aVC5DAlHru
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) December 15, 2023
FanDuel personality Cousin Sal predicted Staley’s next public appearance during the game.
“Brandon Staley is going to be dealing blackjack at Circus Circus before this game is over,” he posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Even San Francisco 49ers legend Joe Staley poked fun at the current situation involving Staley and the Chargers.
“Just a public service announcement. I am not currently coaching the Chargers. I am not associated with that mess. Please stop asking for me to be fired,” Staley joked on social media.
But the low blow came from the Chargers’ own X account. Even after Joshua Palmer broke the shutout attempt, there was a clear lack of enthusiasm by the admin of the account.
we scored. pic.twitter.com/tUlolwTTWX
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 15, 2023
Raiders Romp Adds to List of Turbulent Moments for Staley’s 2023 Chargers
The Chargers had lost five of their eight games by a margin of three points or less. However, their ninth loss became a 42-point beatdown and their most lopsided this season.
That type of defeat adds to the list of turbulent moments for the 2023 Chargers under Staley. Here are some notable ones:
- In three of those narrow losses, the Bolts led in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, and Green Bay Packers and squandered all three.
- Staley got testy with a Chargers beat reporter following the latter loss when asked if he was going to continue calling the defensive plays.
- The injury bug hit the Chargers hard — as Justin Herbert (broken index finger on right hand), Keenan Allen (heel), and Joey Bosa (foot) were three significant late injuries.
- Finally, the Raiders’ TNF demolishing of the Bolts officially became the most one-sided loss in the Staley era.
Staley had already been asked about his future following the Week 14 defeat at the hands of the Denver Broncos.
“I’m just focused on getting ready for Las Vegas,” Staley said to the media after the Denver loss. “I have a team that’s hurting in there … I’m focused on doing my job well, and that’s what I’m going to continue to do.”
He got asked a nearly identical question, yet this time was asked if he’ll be employed by the Chargers.
“I don’t know that,” Staley succinctly said.
But then came the follow-up — does he deserve to be the man leading the Chargers moving forward?
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“Yes. I know what I’ve done here for three years,” Staley said postgame. “I know what I’ve done here for three years, I know what I’ve put into this … I know the type of coach I am.”
However, Staley’s delivery came with a less stoic tone, signifying he’s teetering towards officially becoming the third NFL head coach to become unemployed before the season ends.
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