Domain: tiger-web1.srvr.media3.us Coaching Staff Rumors thread. Schefter saying Staley leading DC candidate | Saints Talk
Started By
Message
locked post

Coaching Staff Rumors thread. Schefter saying Staley leading DC candidate

Posted on 2/11/25 at 11:35 am
Posted by Fun Bunch
New Orleans
Member since May 2008
128658 posts
Posted on 2/11/25 at 11:35 am
Schefter:



Not a surprise
This post was edited on 2/11/25 at 11:36 am
Posted by Suntiger
STG or BR or somewhere else
Member since Feb 2007
35912 posts
Posted on 2/11/25 at 11:51 am to
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.
Posted by Papa Tigah
TIGER ISLAND, LA
Member since Sep 2007
20272 posts
Posted on 2/11/25 at 12:16 pm to
Posted by saints5021
Louisiana
Member since Jul 2010
19304 posts
Posted on 2/11/25 at 12:22 pm to
young staff with bright minds. Way different than Joe Woods
Posted by WhoDatNC
NC
Member since Dec 2013
14291 posts
Posted on 2/11/25 at 12:41 pm to
If any fanbase understands that great coordinators sometimes do not make good head coaches it's this one.
Posted by Lester Earl
3rd Ward
Member since Nov 2003
289596 posts
Posted on 2/11/25 at 12:57 pm to
I like Staley a lot
Posted by Snipe
Member since Nov 2015
16338 posts
Posted on 2/11/25 at 12:59 pm to
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 by Fun Bunch
New Orleans
Member since May 2008
128658 posts
Posted on 2/11/25 at 12:59 pm to
Isn't he a 3-4/3-3-5 guy?

It would take some adjustment player wise
Posted by Lester Earl
3rd Ward
Member since Nov 2003
289596 posts
Posted on 2/11/25 at 1:01 pm to
More from a personality / leadership standpoint.
Posted by GynoSandberg
Bay St Louis, MS
Member since Jan 2006
74125 posts
Posted on 2/11/25 at 1:05 pm to
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.
This post was edited on 2/11/25 at 1:07 pm
Posted by Burmabandit
Member since May 2024
47 posts
Posted on 2/11/25 at 1:07 pm to
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 by St Augustine
The Pauper of the Surf
Member since Mar 2006
71619 posts
Posted on 2/11/25 at 1:08 pm to
quote:

Since Staley doesn’t blitz often, if the front four can’t create pressure, QBs can pick apart the soft zones.


Posted by Fun Bunch
New Orleans
Member since May 2008
128658 posts
Posted on 2/11/25 at 1:10 pm to
Yeah its great when you have an Aaron Donald isn't it

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 by GynoSandberg
Bay St Louis, MS
Member since Jan 2006
74125 posts
Posted on 2/11/25 at 1:13 pm to
Personnel will need an upgrade regardless but we are routinely near The bottom of the league in blitz %
Posted by LooseCannon22282
South Alabama Fan
Member since May 2008
35654 posts
Posted on 2/11/25 at 1:17 pm to
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.
Posted by DBG
vermont
Member since May 2004
79769 posts
Posted on 2/11/25 at 1:44 pm to
Nick mentioned Staley. Also said there are guys on the LSU staff they like.
Posted by Zephyrius
Wharton, La.
Member since Dec 2004
9482 posts
Posted on 2/11/25 at 2:05 pm to
Well at least Loomis has Moore's replacement on staff if he doesn't work out.
Posted by Fun Bunch
New Orleans
Member since May 2008
128658 posts
Posted on 2/11/25 at 2:08 pm to
quote:

Also said there are guys on the LSU staff they like.


Posted by DBG
vermont
Member since May 2004
79769 posts
Posted on 2/11/25 at 2:18 pm to
Nick just said Rizzi would have hired Chip Kelly as OC
Posted by S
RIP Wayde
Member since Jan 2007
170197 posts
Posted on 2/11/25 at 2:38 pm to
quote:

Also said there are guys on the LSU staff they like.


Hankton ? Bo Davis?
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 3Next pagelast page

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookXInstagram