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Coaching Staff Rumors thread. Schefter saying Staley leading DC candidate
Posted on 2/11/25 at 11:35 am
Posted on 2/11/25 at 11:35 am
Schefter:
Not a surprise
Loading Twitter/X Embed...
If tweet fails to load, click here. Not a surprise
This post was edited on 2/11/25 at 11:36 am
Posted on 2/11/25 at 11:51 am to Fun Bunch
Not bad to have a former head coach on staff. Even if he wasn’t a great HC.
I’m just glad we are going in a new direction and not just people with Saint/CSP connections.
I’m just glad we are going in a new direction and not just people with Saint/CSP connections.
Posted on 2/11/25 at 12:22 pm to Papa Tigah
young staff with bright minds. Way different than Joe Woods
Posted on 2/11/25 at 12:41 pm to Fun Bunch
If any fanbase understands that great coordinators sometimes do not make good head coaches it's this one.
Posted on 2/11/25 at 12:59 pm to Suntiger
quote:
Not bad to have a former head coach on staff. Even if he wasn’t a great HC.
Staley could be in the same category as Allen. Great DC who didn't make it as HC and has little threat to be poached away so we may have a solid defense for years to come.
This post was edited on 2/11/25 at 1:34 pm
Posted on 2/11/25 at 12:59 pm to Lester Earl
Isn't he a 3-4/3-3-5 guy?
It would take some adjustment player wise
It would take some adjustment player wise
Posted on 2/11/25 at 1:01 pm to Fun Bunch
More from a personality / leadership standpoint.
Posted on 2/11/25 at 1:05 pm to Lester Earl
Per ChatGPT
Brandon Staley’s defensive scheme is rooted in Vic Fangio’s system, but with his own adaptations. His approach emphasizes disguised coverages, light boxes, and a focus on limiting explosive plays. Below is a breakdown of his defensive philosophy, key concepts, and why it has had mixed results.
Core Philosophies
Two-High Shell Pre-Snap Look
Staley’s defense often starts with two deep safeties (Cover 4 or Cover 6) to discourage deep passing plays.
He rotates coverages post-snap to confuse quarterbacks.
The goal is to force offenses into shorter, inefficient plays rather than big chunk gains.
Light Boxes & Gap-and-a-Half Run Defense
Staley prefers 5- or 6-man boxes, relying on his defensive linemen to "gap-and-a-half" (control one gap while being responsible for a second).
This helps keep extra defenders in coverage but makes the defense vulnerable to power running teams.
Quarter Match (Cover 4) & Cover 6 as Base Coverages
Instead of traditional Cover 2 or Cover 3, Staley leans on:
Cover 4 (Quarters) ? Safeties read the play and provide run support or deep coverage.
Cover 6 (Quarter-Quarter-Half) ? One side plays Quarters while the other plays Cover 2.
These coverages aim to bait quarterbacks into mistakes by making post-snap reads difficult.
Simulated Pressures & Creepers
Staley avoids blitzing heavily, instead using simulated pressures:
Shows a blitz look pre-snap but only rushes four defenders.
Drops unexpected players into coverage, making the QB hesitate.
He also uses creeper pressures, where a non-traditional pass rusher (like a linebacker or safety) replaces a defensive lineman in the rush.
Pass Rush Emphasis on Interior Pressure
Staley’s scheme relies on elite defensive tackles (e.g., Aaron Donald when he was with the Rams) to generate pressure.
He uses stunts, twists, and games up front to create confusion.
Edge rushers are important but secondary to interior disruptors.
Strengths of Staley’s Scheme
? Limits Explosive Plays
Forces offenses into long, sustained drives, reducing big plays.
Great against high-powered passing offenses (e.g., Chiefs, Bills).
? Disguises Coverages Well
Post-snap rotations confuse quarterbacks, especially younger ones.
Makes it hard to identify pre-snap reads.
? Flexibility & Adaptability
Can adjust coverages to match personnel strengths.
Prioritizes pass defense over run defense, fitting today’s NFL.
Weaknesses & Challenges
? Struggles Against the Run
The light box philosophy makes it easy for teams to run the ball efficiently.
Power-running teams (e.g., 49ers, Titans) can exploit this with downhill rushing attacks.
? Relies on Elite Players in Key Spots
The system works best when you have a dominant interior rusher (like Aaron Donald) and elite safeties to read/react.
If talent is lacking, the defense collapses (as seen with the Chargers).
? Execution-Dependent, Not Aggressive Enough at Times
Since Staley doesn’t blitz often, if the front four can’t create pressure, QBs can pick apart the soft zones.
Requires smart and disciplined defenders to work properly.
Why It Worked with the Rams but Struggled with the Chargers
Rams (2020 - #1 Defense in NFL)
? Aaron Donald & Jalen Ramsey fit the system perfectly.
? Offense played complementary football.
? Safeties were elite at disguising coverages.
Chargers (2021-2023 - Inconsistent Results)
? Lacked elite DTs to anchor the run defense.
? Poor linebacker play exposed the soft middle.
? Offense often put the defense in bad situations with turnovers.
? Teams exploited light boxes by running the ball efficiently.
Overall Verdict
Staley’s system is modern, analytically driven, and built to stop explosive passing plays, but it requires the right personnel and adjustments against strong running teams to work effectively. Without elite talent in key spots, the defense can collapse under the weight of its own structure.
Brandon Staley’s defensive scheme is rooted in Vic Fangio’s system, but with his own adaptations. His approach emphasizes disguised coverages, light boxes, and a focus on limiting explosive plays. Below is a breakdown of his defensive philosophy, key concepts, and why it has had mixed results.
Core Philosophies
Two-High Shell Pre-Snap Look
Staley’s defense often starts with two deep safeties (Cover 4 or Cover 6) to discourage deep passing plays.
He rotates coverages post-snap to confuse quarterbacks.
The goal is to force offenses into shorter, inefficient plays rather than big chunk gains.
Light Boxes & Gap-and-a-Half Run Defense
Staley prefers 5- or 6-man boxes, relying on his defensive linemen to "gap-and-a-half" (control one gap while being responsible for a second).
This helps keep extra defenders in coverage but makes the defense vulnerable to power running teams.
Quarter Match (Cover 4) & Cover 6 as Base Coverages
Instead of traditional Cover 2 or Cover 3, Staley leans on:
Cover 4 (Quarters) ? Safeties read the play and provide run support or deep coverage.
Cover 6 (Quarter-Quarter-Half) ? One side plays Quarters while the other plays Cover 2.
These coverages aim to bait quarterbacks into mistakes by making post-snap reads difficult.
Simulated Pressures & Creepers
Staley avoids blitzing heavily, instead using simulated pressures:
Shows a blitz look pre-snap but only rushes four defenders.
Drops unexpected players into coverage, making the QB hesitate.
He also uses creeper pressures, where a non-traditional pass rusher (like a linebacker or safety) replaces a defensive lineman in the rush.
Pass Rush Emphasis on Interior Pressure
Staley’s scheme relies on elite defensive tackles (e.g., Aaron Donald when he was with the Rams) to generate pressure.
He uses stunts, twists, and games up front to create confusion.
Edge rushers are important but secondary to interior disruptors.
Strengths of Staley’s Scheme
? Limits Explosive Plays
Forces offenses into long, sustained drives, reducing big plays.
Great against high-powered passing offenses (e.g., Chiefs, Bills).
? Disguises Coverages Well
Post-snap rotations confuse quarterbacks, especially younger ones.
Makes it hard to identify pre-snap reads.
? Flexibility & Adaptability
Can adjust coverages to match personnel strengths.
Prioritizes pass defense over run defense, fitting today’s NFL.
Weaknesses & Challenges
? Struggles Against the Run
The light box philosophy makes it easy for teams to run the ball efficiently.
Power-running teams (e.g., 49ers, Titans) can exploit this with downhill rushing attacks.
? Relies on Elite Players in Key Spots
The system works best when you have a dominant interior rusher (like Aaron Donald) and elite safeties to read/react.
If talent is lacking, the defense collapses (as seen with the Chargers).
? Execution-Dependent, Not Aggressive Enough at Times
Since Staley doesn’t blitz often, if the front four can’t create pressure, QBs can pick apart the soft zones.
Requires smart and disciplined defenders to work properly.
Why It Worked with the Rams but Struggled with the Chargers
Rams (2020 - #1 Defense in NFL)
? Aaron Donald & Jalen Ramsey fit the system perfectly.
? Offense played complementary football.
? Safeties were elite at disguising coverages.
Chargers (2021-2023 - Inconsistent Results)
? Lacked elite DTs to anchor the run defense.
? Poor linebacker play exposed the soft middle.
? Offense often put the defense in bad situations with turnovers.
? Teams exploited light boxes by running the ball efficiently.
Overall Verdict
Staley’s system is modern, analytically driven, and built to stop explosive passing plays, but it requires the right personnel and adjustments against strong running teams to work effectively. Without elite talent in key spots, the defense can collapse under the weight of its own structure.
This post was edited on 2/11/25 at 1:07 pm
Posted on 2/11/25 at 1:07 pm to Fun Bunch
Yeah he runs a lot of 3-3-5. DA used a lot of 4-2-5, shouldn't be too much of an adjustment.
Posted on 2/11/25 at 1:08 pm to GynoSandberg
quote:
Since Staley doesn’t blitz often, if the front four can’t create pressure, QBs can pick apart the soft zones.

Posted on 2/11/25 at 1:10 pm to GynoSandberg
Yeah its great when you have an Aaron Donald isn't it
I like Bresee's fit but they will have to find a NT in this draft. Luckily this is the deepest DT draft in a long while.
Safety we suck too so that will have to be a priority
quote:
The system works best when you have a dominant interior rusher (like Aaron Donald) and elite safeties to read/react.
I like Bresee's fit but they will have to find a NT in this draft. Luckily this is the deepest DT draft in a long while.
Safety we suck too so that will have to be a priority
Posted on 2/11/25 at 1:13 pm to St Augustine
Personnel will need an upgrade regardless but we are routinely near The bottom of the league in blitz %
Posted on 2/11/25 at 1:17 pm to Fun Bunch
You would think Mason Graham if he's available.
If not, take a look at the top edge guy on your board.
I think this draft has enough depth at it at skill position where Moore and company could do some damage later.
If not, take a look at the top edge guy on your board.
I think this draft has enough depth at it at skill position where Moore and company could do some damage later.
Posted on 2/11/25 at 1:44 pm to Fun Bunch
Nick mentioned Staley. Also said there are guys on the LSU staff they like.
Posted on 2/11/25 at 2:05 pm to Fun Bunch
Well at least Loomis has Moore's replacement on staff if he doesn't work out.
Posted on 2/11/25 at 2:08 pm to DBG
quote:
Also said there are guys on the LSU staff they like.
Posted on 2/11/25 at 2:18 pm to Fun Bunch
Nick just said Rizzi would have hired Chip Kelly as OC
Posted on 2/11/25 at 2:38 pm to DBG
quote:
Also said there are guys on the LSU staff they like.
Hankton ? Bo Davis?
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