Chargers new defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill talks about defensive philosophy

The Chargers hired former Broncos defensive backs coach Renaldo Hill as their new defensive coordinator.

Even though Hill has the title under his name, head coach Brandon Staley will be the one responsible for calling the defensive plays. Nonetheless, he’s still grateful to be able to bring his expertise with defensive backs to the team.

“I definitely will lean on Staley, and be able to sit back and learn. It still gives you that that growth opportunity,” Hill said. “I can move around and assert myself into the front seven, but also still have a footprint on the back end.”

After playing in the league as a safety for 10 years, Hill brings eight years of coaching experience, both at the collegiate and NFL level.

Hill and Staley coached together with the Broncos in 2019. Hill served as the defensive backs coach while Staley was the outside linebackers coach.

Hill will have an input on game days while Staley calls plays.

“We’ll definitely collaborate on those and come up with what’s best for the guys, but he’s always been open to listening and receiving ideas,” Hill said.

“Staley emphasizes all the time it is a collaboration of voices in the room, and everybody having their opinion in what this defense will look like. When you can listen to those other ideas, it makes everybody feel a part of what we’re doing, we’re having success.”

Los Angeles goes into the season with the intentions of playing in a 3-4 defense after spending the past four seasons under defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s 4-3 scheme. Even though they finished No. 10 in total defense, the unit was 25th in sacks and 22nd in takeaways.

Part of the reason why they had so many blown double-digit leads was because of their inability to affect the quarterback. Los Angeles only blitzed 6.1 times per game, which marked the least amount last season.

That will change this upcoming season.

“I believe you have to bring pressure in this league,” Hill said.

Hill said that they don’t want the defense to entice offenses to throw on them, noting the high level of QB play in the NFL, adding they can do that by always showing a Cover 2 shell and changing post-snap.

Hill mentioned four coaches who will be a part of defensive staff.

Former Tennessee defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley, Giff Smith, who has been the team’s defensive line coach for the past five seasons, former Rams linebackers coach Joe Barry and former Seahawks quality control coach Tom Donatell.