On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Chargers fired a couple of members of their coaching staff, but none of those men were named Brandon Staley.
Instead, they dismissed offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and passing game coordinator Shane Day.
We have parted ways with OC Joe Lombardi and Passing Game Coordinator/QBs Shane Day.
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 17, 2023
Lombardi, along with Staley, was criticized for being too conservative with his play-calling and having quarterback Justin Herbert attempt too many short and checkdown passes rather than allow him to attack defenses vertically and take advantage of his rocket-powered arm strength.
Chargers fans may be disappointed that Staley is still the head coach, but they are at least somewhat happy with the departure of Lombardi, and they took to Twitter to express that pleasure.
Shane Steichen couldn't do it. Joe Lombardi couldn't do it. But one day someone just might be able to squeeze something out of the most phenomenal quarterback of all time. https://t.co/dY5Lr0dvPO
— Deniz Selman (@denizselman33) January 18, 2023
This fan made a great analogy to a Ferrari that is being babied in order to save on fuel.
Joe Lombardi had a Ferrari and put it in eco/efficient mode, in the slow lane trying to conserve fuel.
You don't get a Ferrari to drive slow. You get it to let the V12 scream.
With him being canned, there should be no joy until we know who's going to unlock Herbert! https://t.co/pofXMAcY0n
— 🦁 (@RBtheBlaxican) January 18, 2023
However, some fans feel the wrong move was made, and that Staley should’ve been fired instead.
So they rather cut Joe Lombardi than Brandon Staley? What a joke. https://t.co/wJr853BSuw
— Kevin Damoah (@damoah_kevin) January 18, 2023
Come on #chargedup you fired O.C. Joe Lombardi? Look at the productivity on Austin Ekeler the last 2 years! Same for Alvin Kamara. He had Justin Herbert ready day 1. He didn’t play Michael Williams in the final meaningless game. They fired the wrong coach. Can you say, scapegoat?
— Harry Teinowitz (@HeyTweetHarry) January 18, 2023
Joe Lombardi and Shane Day did not decide to play the starters in a meaningless week 18 games only to have 3 starters injured…Staley is the real reason why this team has underperformed…being a Chargers fan is so disappointing
— Joseph Lloren (@joey_lloren) January 18, 2023
It is hard for some teams to fire a head coach and spend the money and resources it takes to hire a vastly superior coach, and therefore they will instead make changes to the incumbent’s staff.
If the Chargers truly believe Staley is the man to lead them to their first-ever Super Bowl championship, they will need to hire a fine offensive mind to be his new offensive coordinator, and Staley will need to listen to him.
In addition, they need to address a defense that was very lackluster despite the addition of Pro Bowl pass rusher Khalil Mack and former Pro Bowl cornerback J.C. Jackson.
With other stars such as safety Derwin James and pass rusher Joey Bosa on the roster, as well as rising linebacker Drue Tranquill, there is no excuse for L.A. to not be above average on defense next season.
