Postgame Press Conference from the Los Angeles Chargers Coach

In the aftermath of the Los Angeles Chargers’ gut-wrenching 27-20 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders— a defeat that ended their playoff hopes— head coach Brandon Staley stepped to the podium for his postgame press conference, his demeanor a mix of frustration, accountability, and quiet resolve. The 30-minute session, held in the media room at SoFi Stadium shortly after the final whistle, drew dozens of local and national reporters eager to hear Staley’s take on the game’s collapse: a 10-point third-quarter lead erased by 17 unanswered Raiders points, capped by Justin Herbert’s end-zone interception in the final two minutes. Staley, known for his detailed game analysis, didn’t shy away from tough questions, taking responsibility for key decisions while also defending his team’s effort. Postgame Press Conference from the Los Angeles Chargers Coach breaks down the most notable moments of the conference, from Staley’s reflections on the loss to his plans for the final weeks of the season.

Postgame Press Conference from the Los Angeles Chargers Coach begins with Staley’s opening remarks, where he addressed the game’s turning point and took direct accountability for the team’s failure to close out the win. “First and foremost, that’s on me,” Staley said, his voice steady but firm. “We had a 10-point lead in the third quarter, and we let it slip away. That’s not on the players—it’s on the coaching staff to put them in positions to succeed, and we didn’t do that today. The third-down calls on defense, the decision to go for it on fourth-and-2 in our own territory—those were my calls, and they didn’t work. I have to be better, and I will be.” Staley specifically highlighted the Raiders’ final scoring drive, where the defense allowed a 12-play, 75-yard march that ended with a touchdown to take the lead. “We had chances to get off the field—two third-and-longs, a fourth-and-1—and we couldn’t do it,” he said. “That’s a coaching failure. We need to simplify our looks in those moments, make sure our players are clear on their assignments, and that starts with me.” Reporters noted that Staley’s willingness to take blame stood in contrast to some coaches, who often deflect criticism to players or officials—a move that resonated with many in the room.

A key segment of the press conference focused on Staley’s analysis of the offense’s struggles in the second half, particularly the interception that sealed the loss and Herbert’s overall performance. When asked about Herbert’s end-zone interception, Staley was quick to defend his quarterback, emphasizing the pressure he faced and the team’s failure to protect him. “Justin made a tough throw in a tight window, but let’s be honest—he had three defenders in his face when he released it,” Staley said. “Our offensive line didn’t hold up, and that’s a problem we’ve been dealing with all season. Justin’s done everything we’ve asked of him this year—he’s kept us in games, he’s led this team through injuries, and he’s played at an elite level. That interception wasn’t on him; it was on all of us to give him better support.” Staley also addressed the offense’s inability to generate momentum in the second half, where they managed just 87 total yards and zero points. “We became too predictable,” he admitted. “We relied too much on the pass, didn’t establish the run, and that let the Raiders’ defense tee off on Justin. We need to balance our attack better—Joshua Kelley and Isaiah Spiller are capable runners, and we didn’t use them enough today. That’s a mistake I’ll correct moving forward.”

Postgame Press Conference from the Los Angeles Chargers Coach also included Staley’s response to questions about the team’s playoff elimination and how he plans to keep the players motivated for the final two games of the Los Angeles Chargers’ season. With the loss to the Raiders, the Chargers were mathematically eliminated from AFC playoff contention, leaving them with matchups against the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs to close out the year. When asked how he’d prevent the team from “mailing it in,” Staley emphasized the importance of pride and development. “This season isn’t over—not for this team,” he said. “We have two games left, and they’re against divisional rivals. We owe it to our fans, to our organization, and to each other to play these games with maximum effort. For our young players—guys like Quentin Johnston, Tuli Tuipulotu, Jakorian Bennett—this is a chance to gain valuable experience, to show what they can do in high-pressure situations. For our veterans, it’s a chance to lead, to set an example for the next generation. We’re not going to quit on this season, and I know our players won’t either.” Staley added that the team would use the final two games to test new schemes and rotations, with an eye toward next season. “We have a lot to learn from this year, and these last two games are an opportunity to apply those lessons,” he said. “For the Los Angeles Chargers, every game matters—even when the playoffs are out of reach—because we’re building something here, and that work doesn’t stop.”

Another notable moment of the press conference was Staley’s reaction to fan criticism, including calls for his job that have grown louder in recent weeks, and his commitment to the Los Angeles Chargers’ long-term vision. When a reporter asked about the growing chorus of fans demanding his firing, Staley acknowledged the frustration but remained confident in his plan. “I understand the fans’ disappointment—believe me, I do,” he said. “This isn’t the season anyone wanted, and they have every right to be upset. But I also know that building a winning program takes time. We’ve dealt with significant injuries this year—Joey Bosa, Derwin James for parts of the season, multiple offensive linemen—and we’ve still been competitive in nearly every game. That says something about the talent here and the culture we’re building.” Staley pointed to the team’s 5-1 start to the season as evidence of progress, noting that growing pains are part of the process. “We had a great start, then we hit a rough patch— that’s normal for a team that’s still finding its identity,” he said. “I’m committed to this organization, to these players, and to turning this around. The Los Angeles Chargers deserve a winning team, and I’m going to work every day to make that happen.” Staley declined to comment on whether he’d spoken to team ownership about his job security, saying only that he’s focused on the next two games.

Finally, Postgame Press Conference from the Los Angeles Chargers Coach wraps up with Staley’s closing remarks, where he emphasized resilience and thanked the fans for their support, while outlining his immediate priorities for the Los Angeles Chargers. “This loss hurts, but it’s not going to define us,” Staley said, closing the conference. “We’re going to watch the film, learn from our mistakes, and come back ready to compete next week against Denver. Our priorities right now are simple: get healthy, fix the things that aren’t working, and play with pride. To the fans—thank you. Thank you for sticking with us through the tough times, for showing up to SoFi Stadium every week, and for believing in this team. We know we haven’t given you the season you deserve, but we’re going to keep fighting for you.” Staley ended by acknowledging the challenges ahead but expressing optimism for the future. “This is a talented group of players, and we have a bright future here,” he said. “We just need to put it all together, and that starts with me. I’m excited about what we can build, and I’m looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this is just a stop on the way to where we want to go— and we’re not done yet.” As the conference ended, Staley lingered to answer a few more questions from local reporters, a sign that he’s not backing down from the challenge of turning the Chargers’ season around—even if the playoffs are no longer in sight. Postgame Press Conference from the Los Angeles Chargers Coach ultimately showed a coach who is accountable, resilient, and determined to lead his team through adversity—qualities that will be critical as the Chargers look to rebound in 2025.