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If you were holding out hope that offensive line coach James Campen could be retained underneath new head coach Brandon Staley, I’m sorry to give you some bad news.
According to Adam Schefter, Staley has made it known that he plans to hire his own man to coach the position and Campen will get the opportunity to coach elsewhere in 2021.
Veteran OL coach James Campen is available after one year with Chargers. New Chargers HC Brandon Staley is bringing in his own O-line coach, per sources, so Campen — who helped develop players such as David Bakhtiari and Corey Linsley during his time in Green Bay — is free.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2021
Many may believe Campen’s one-year tenure with the Bolts was a failure. It sure looked bad when you consider stats like pass-block and run-block win rate and things like that, but he truly didn’t have much to work with. The fact they were good enough to allow Justin Herbert to have the year that he did is good enough for me. At least, that’s how I’ll choose to remember “Campy,” as he was affectionately referred to by right tackle Bryan Bulaga.
We wish him nothing but the best moving forward, and it’s a bummer things couldn’t have worked out longer.
Now for today’s links.
Chargers News:
Jason Reed tries to erase the negative stigma towards defensive-minded head coaches (Bolt Beat)
Gavino Borquez highlights some of the top free agents the Chargers should consider (Chargers Wire)
Top photos from Joey Bosa’s 2020 season (Chargers.com)
Justin Herbert named to the PFWA’s All-NFL team (Chargers.com)
NFL News:
The biggest looming free agent decisions for each NFL team (ESPN)
Top-50 free agents in the NFL (ESPN)
The Ravens officially waived Mark Ingram (Pro Football Talk)
Patrick Mahomes is still in the concussion protocol (Bleacher Report)
Judy Battista discusses the lack of diversity in the NFL’s recent hires (NFL.com)
Four teams who should pursue Deshaun Watson (NFL.com)