Chargers hire Brendan Nugent as offensive line coach

Updated Feb. 22, 2022 2:44 p.m. ET

Associated Press

COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — Brendan Nugent has been hired as Los Angeles Chargers offensive line coach, replacing Frank Smith, who left the Chargers to become Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator.

Nugent had spent the previous seven seasons with the New Orleans Saints. He coached the offensive line last season after being the assistant line coach the previous four years. Saints quarterbacks have been sacked a league-low 131 times since 2017.

The Chargers' blockers made huge strides last season in Brandon Staley's first year as head coach. With four new starters, Los Angeles allowed 31 sacks, tied for sixth fewest in the league, and had a pair of Pro Bowl players in center Corey Linsley and rookie left tackle Rashawn Slater.

Nugent is the Chargers' fourth offensive line coach since 2019. Prior to joining New Orleans, he was with the Chicago Bears for two seasons (2013-14).

Los Angeles also announced Chris Gould has been hired as assistant special teams coach and the addition of Mike Hiestand as an offensive assistant. Both were with Denver last season.

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