Los Angeles Chargers defensive line coach history
Mike Elston
Elston is the defensive line coach for the Los Angeles Chargers since the 2024 season. Elston's record as the team's defensive line coach was 9-6-0, making him the most successful defensive line coach in Los Angeles Chargers history.
Jay Rodgers
Rodgers was the defensive line coach for the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2022-2023 seasons, a total of two years. Rodgers' record as the team's defensive line coach was 15-19-0, making him the third-least successful defensive line coach in Los Angeles Chargers history. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2022) and had a 0-1 record under Coach Rodgers in playoff games.
Giff Smith
Smith was the defensive line coach for the Los Angeles Chargers and San Diego Chargers in the 2016-2021 seasons, a total of six years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2018) and had a 1-1 record under Coach Smith in playoff games.
Don Johnson
Johnson was the defensive line coach for the San Diego Chargers in the 2009-2015 seasons, a total of seven years. The team made it to the playoffs two times (2009, 2013) and had a 1-2 record under Coach Johnson in playoff games.
Wayne Nunnely
Nunnely was the defensive line coach for the San Diego Chargers in the 1997-2008 seasons, a total of twelve years. The team made it to the playoffs four times (2004, 2006-2008) and had a 3-4 record under Coach Nunnely in playoff games.
Dennis Murphy
Murphy was the defensive line coach for the San Diego Chargers in the 1994-1996 seasons, a total of three years. The team made it to the playoffs two times (1994-1995) and had a 2-2 record under Coach Murphy in playoff games. In 1994, the San Diego Chargers faced off against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XXIX and the Chargers, under the direction of head coach Bobby Ross, lost 26-49.
Brian Baker
Baker was the defensive line coach for the San Diego Chargers in the 1996 season.
George O'Leary
O'Leary was the defensive line coach for the San Diego Chargers in the 1992-1993 seasons, a total of two years. O'Leary's record as the team's defensive line coach was 19-13-0, making him the second-most successful defensive line coach in Los Angeles Chargers history. The team made it to the playoffs one time (1992) and had a 1-1 record under Coach O'Leary in playoff games.
Chuck Clausen
Clausen was the defensive line coach for the San Diego Chargers in the 1991 season. Clausen's record as the team's defensive line coach was 4-12-0, making him the least successful defensive line coach in Los Angeles Chargers history.
Gunther Cunningham
Cunningham was the defensive line coach for the San Diego Chargers in the 1985-1990 seasons, a total of six years. Cunningham's record as the team's defensive line coach was 38-57-0, making him the second-least successful defensive line coach in Los Angeles Chargers history.
Jerry Smith
Smith was the defensive line coach for the San Diego Chargers in the 1977-1983 seasons, a total of seven years. Smith's record as the team's defensive line coach was 61-42-0, making him the third-most successful defensive line coach in Los Angeles Chargers history. The team made it to the playoffs four times (1979-1982) and had a 3-4 record under Coach Smith in playoff games.
Bum Phillips
Phillips was the defensive line coach for the San Diego Chargers in the 1967-1971 seasons, a total of five years.
Los Angeles Chargers defensive line coach record
| Coach | Years | Record | Win percentage | Playoff record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Elston | 2024 | 9-6-0 | 60.0% | 0-0 |
| Jay Rodgers | 2022-2023 | 15-19-0 | 44.1% | 0-1 |
| Giff Smith | 2016-2021 | 47-50-0 | 48.5% | 1-1 |
| Don Johnson | 2009-2015 | 59-53-0 | 52.7% | 1-2 |
| Wayne Nunnely | 1997-2008 | 89-103-0 | 46.4% | 3-4 |
| Brian Baker | 1996 | 8-8-0 | 50.0% | 0-0 |
| Dennis Murphy | 1994-1996 | 28-20-0 | 58.3% | 2-2 |
| George O'Leary | 1992-1993 | 19-13-0 | 59.4% | 1-1 |
| Chuck Clausen | 1991 | 4-12-0 | 25.0% | 0-0 |
| Gunther Cunningham | 1985-1990 | 38-57-0 | 40.0% | 0-0 |
| Jerry Smith | 1977-1983 | 61-42-0 | 59.2% | 3-4 |
| Bum Phillips | 1967-1971 | 36-30-4 | 54.3% | 0-0 |
Los Angeles Chargers defensive line coach facts
- Bum Phillips was the first defensive line coach in Chargers history in 1967.
- Wayne Nunnely coached the most seasons as the Chargers's defensive line coach at twelve seasons.
- Mike Elston is the current defensive line coach, starting ahead of the 2024 season.