Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
Every NFL coach has their own philosophy on developing young talent. While there is overlap across the league, each position coach, coordinator and head coach have unique approaches that make their style uniquely their own.
New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is no exception. He has coached every level of the defense at both the college and NFL levels, served as a defensive coordinator at multiple stops, including two in the NFL, was the defensive architect of the Los Angeles Chargers as head coach from 2021 to 2023, spent last year as the assistant head coach with the San Francisco 49ers, and now returns to the defensive coordinator role in New Orleans.
Development has been a hot topic as of late. Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady drew attention for his recent remarks about the league’s lack of development ability at quarterback while on The Herd with Colin Cowherd.
“There’s a lot of people who have no idea what they’re doing when they’re tasked with coaching a quarterback or calling an offense.”@colincowherd and @TomBrady discuss why QB development is so difficult in the NFL pic.twitter.com/4bvHVzbjW7
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) September 11, 2025
While developing quarterbacks is a very different game than other positions, the need for coaches to lead the growth of their personnel and talent is always a must, regardless of where that player lines up.
Some of that refinement happens naturally. Young players enter the league and progress as they see more reps, more experience and compete with more opponents.
However, the development of already established players can be challenging. That’s where Staley may separate himself from the pack. He took already great players with the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers and either made them better or put them in position to maintain their elite status.
How did he do it? Making sure there’s alignment in the vision and clear communication.
“It’s shared ownership in that,” Staley said during his Thursday media availability. “It’s coaching and the players combining forces in order to help elevate. I think that guys like we’ve talked about, Cam (Jordan) and Demario (Davis), even other guys like Justin Reid, who’s accomplished so much in different systems. ‘Hey, now here’s a new way that we can feature you. It’s kind of similar to what you’ve done, but here’s in our system how we’re going to feature you.’
Really tying it together, showing them the vision for what you have for these guys. They love that.”
Staley also referenced the importance of calling plays for established talent. One example that comes to mind was the third down blitz call for slot cornerback Alontae Taylor in the Week 1 game against the Arizona Cardinals.
ALONTAEEEEEEEEE YOU DAWG
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/1KsWYhq8GZ
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 7, 2025
When it comes to boosting players up beyond their established impact, Staley has a clear cut science to the procedure. Tell them what he’s going to do with them and then follow through on game day.
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