After his comments earlier this week, it is safe to say that the Chargers’ new defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley is excited about his new position.
lead the way, DA. pic.twitter.com/fy0xwGgWzm
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) March 6, 2023
Ansley was asked by a reporter earlier this week about what it will be like for him to collaborate with head coach Brandon Staley to scheme up the Chargers’ defense in 2023, and he responded with unbridled enthusiasm.
“It’s going to be awesome,” Ansley said. “Coach is a brilliant mind defensively. Hopefully I can add some ideas to him and we can put this thing together smoothly and keep it rolling.”
Questioned about the praise heaped on him by Derwin James after his promotion and his philosophy as a leader, Ansley made it clear that forging a strong connection with his players makes a world of difference.
“[In] relationships with the players, it’s about give and take, especially in NFL ball” He explained. “What do you guys like? What style, what technique do you like? And if I can see something that could maybe help them become better, then we introduce that to them. So I think it’s a lot of give and take. Listen to the players, coach them hard, accountability, make sure everybody is pulling the rope in the same direction.”
How Ansley’s defense might fare in 2023 is unknown, though the pieces seem to be in place for him to make something special happen. With veterans all over the field in his unit, Ansley will only need to harness the talent already on Los Angeles’ roster to put together a defense worthy of postseason competition.
