Why Adam Fuller is Looking to Push Chargers Safety Group Even Further in 2025

Apr 30, 2025 at 08:00 AM

Omar Navarro

Jr. Writer

The Chargers coaching staff in 2025 largely remained intact from a season ago — one that saw the team make a run to the postseason.

But one of the biggest changes comes in a crucial unit that excelled in Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter's scheme in 2024.

New Chargers safeties coach Adam Fuller has taken over the position since being brought in February after Chris O'Leary, who was the Chargers safeties coach in 2024, took a job as Western Michigan's defensive coordinator.

Fuller most recently served as Florida State's defensive coordinator for a number of years and had only coached on the collegiate level before joining the Bolts.

But in such a short time, he said the acclimation process has been nothing but smooth on all levels as he navigates through his first NFL job.

"It's been great. It's a winning atmosphere out here," Fuller said on Monday. "I think it's really collaborative. too.

"I think Jesse's done a great job with the defensive staff. That's who I'm with more, but even Joe Hortiz, Chad [Alexander] and that group, it's a place you think you can be yourself and really work," Fuller added. "It's really collaborative. It's been great."

Fuller said he had no previous connections with anyone on staff but had crossed paths with Minter and defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale during their other collegiate stops over the years.

But when Minter reached out and the opportunity came to be, Fuller knew it was the place and position for him.

"It checked all the boxes," Fuller said about the Chargers job. "I tried to be very intentional with knowing what I was looking for, taking pride in knowing what it was going to be. When Jesse and Coach Harbaugh offered me the job, it took me about one sentence to [let him] know I was coming."

He later added: "Coach [Jim] Harbaugh is a winner. They had a really good roster. From Joe Hortiz to Coach Harbaugh, to Jesse, just a lot of people I was quickly introduced to, the alignment, energy and a lot of the things that I think are important to improve and get better and have winning ways. We're all there. It didn't guarantee anything, but it definitely something I wanted to align myself with. It just all fit together."

There's been some catching up to do given he is one of the new faces on a staff that has stayed almost the same, in addition to adjusting to the changes from college to the NFL.

Fuller said he jumped in ready to learn with the help of fellow defensive coaches, including watching film of last year's group.

And one thing that stood out? It helps to have the safety room the caliber of the one the Chargers have.

"It was not a secret to me who was here," Fuller said about the group. "I don't want to say it was the reason I wanted to be here, but it definitely was an advantage."

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Of course it all starts with Derwin James, Jr., who's stellar 2024 Second-Team All-Pro season got him back into the conversations among the league's best.

James did just about everything last season, but particularly thrived lining up in the slot where he was able to wreak havoc around the line of scrimmage.

Having a player of his caliber in the room is exciting, but it's also something Fuller doesn't take lightly and hopes to help elevate his game even further.

"He hasn't even reached his ceiling, there's so much there for him," Fuller said. "And the greatest thing is he wants it more than anybody. Those are the people that inspire you to be better, just to find ways.

"Sometimes it's not a technique, but it's perspective and using his experiences and the defensive staff's experience and Coach Harbaugh's to try to help and keep elevating him," Fuller added. "You could tell he's excited for it. You can tell they did a great job with him last year, but there's still a lot more out there for him."

With the trio of James, Elijah Molden and Alohi Gilman, there's a lot of positives for the safeties coach to take away and to continue building on.