Editor's note: This story was updated Jan. 16, 2024
The Los Angeles Chargers are in the market for a new head coach this offseason after they fired Brandon Staley in mid-December. That paved the way for the franchise to start anew in the new year. If there were legal California sports betting, those wagering on the Chargers in 2023 would have been very disappointed.
After three seasons of .500 football, Staley’s time in the City of Angels ended abruptly on Dec. 15, along with the tenure of general manager Tom Telesco. At the time the team was 5-9 and coming off of a blowout 63-21 loss to the Raiders. The Chargers finished 5-12 and lost their last five in a row and failed to make the playoffs for the second time in three seasons under Staley. Now, L.A. has a chance to find its perfect match as head coach.
With all that in mind, BetCalifornia.com broke down the odds on who replaces Staley in L.A., with owner Dean Spanos needing to find a new GM and head coach this offseason. And turn to BetCalifornia.com for updates on efforts to bring California sportsbook apps to fruition.
Odds To Be Next Los Angeles Chargers Coach
Top Contenders To Replace Brandon Staley
The top candidate on out list to replace Staley in L.A. is Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. We give him a 20% chance, or +400 odds. These odds are exclusive to BetCalifornia.com. Johnson oversaw the Lions’ first divisional title since 1993 and over the weekend Detroit won a playoff game for the first time since 1991.
Two other offensive coordinators, Brian Callahan of the Bengals and Todd Monken of the Ravens, are next on our list at +600 ( or 14.3% implied probability). Monken is preparing for Baltimore's Division Round game this Saturday against the Houston Texans. As for Callahan, his Cincinnati team went 9-8 but missed the playoffs.
After that comes University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh (+700), whose Wolverines won the CFP national championship last week. Also keep an eye on Dan Quinn (+900), the defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys. Their season ended with a playoff stunner at the hands of Green Bay. Both Harbaugh and Quinn have NFL head coaching experience and both took their teams to the Super Bowl but lost; Harbaugh with the 49ers (in the 2012 season) and Quinn with the Atlanta Falcons (2016 season).
