The Chargers new Defensive Coordinator was in the building and officially introduced on Tuesday in El Segundo.

Chris O'Leary spoke to the media Tuesday for the first time since being officially the Bolts defensive playcaller.

Here is the full transcript from O'Leary's press conference:

Opening statement:

"Not an opening statement guy, kind of like Mike [McDaniel]. But I'm just going to say a couple things. First, I want to give glory to God. I try to walk in a way that Jesus is the author of my life. I think of people he's put me around, coaches, players, situations that have brought me to this point. I'm fired up to get started. Second, my wife Jessie is over there, she's the rock of our family, the foundation. She's got the three boys, Jack, Grant and Ford, keeping them in line is a full time job. Then third for me, just really thinking the Spanos Family, Coach [Jim] Harbaugh, Joe [Hortiz], Chad [Alexander], everyone that was involved in making this decision. For me, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity, so I'm very grateful for them. Every day that I come in the building, it will be to make these players proud and give them something to aspire to and to go achieve and also to make them proud because they've given me this opportunity."

What was attractive about the opportunity here?

"The opportunity to really aspire to win a Super Bowl, that's step one. When you look at the organization, you look at the offensive staff, the players, everything in line to go achieve our ultimate goal. I think the second thing, and really as important as important for that, was the relationships in this building. From players calling me and reaching out to the staff, to the personnel department, those relationships that are really genuine and meaningful to me, that made it a no brainer."

Going back to last year after 2024 and heading into Western Michigan. For you, what was the motivation behind that decision?

"There were a lot of factors at play. Family, the opportunity, there were a lot of things. Like I said, I kind of go where I feel God is calling me and calling my family. At that time, it was the right decision for us."

Did you talk to the coaches here before you made the decision to leave?

"I talked to Jesse Minter. I've seen him as a mentor of mine for my entire coaching career. That's a guy that I stayed in touch with and through that time was talking to."

Was his advice that you could come back to eventually be a DC in the NFL?

"We didn't discuss those things. We just talked and kept it day by day and it played out how it played out."

When did this opportunity show up on your radar as a possibility you could come back and call plays here?

"Really, when Jesse took the Baltimore job. When he took the Baltimore job I talked to Joe and talked to some other people, went through the interview process and it happened pretty quick."

What do you plan on doing here with the defense?

"The two things we're going to focus on, number one we're going to elevate what we do well. The foundation of our defense, we're going to elevate that. We're going to do what we do it better. The second thing we're going to do is we're going to evolve the defense. We're going to add things, we're going to tailor things to the players, the personnel that we have going into the season. We're really focused on taking what we built and the foundation that's laid and taking it to another level."

What does that look like when you say evolve?

"There's many areas we're going to do. We're going to elevate the system and the structure that's in place. We're going to do those things better. Without getting into X's and O's that you'll see on gamedays, but we're going to do some of the things that separated this defense and we're going to keep doing those things. Just the things we're going to evolve, there's different areas that, through my time as a coordinator, we were able to implement pre-snap, post-snap, using different people, different personnel in different areas. We're going to try to apply those here. Without getting into too many specifics, that's the vision."

Watching some of the Western Michigan film from last year, it looked liked structurally and schematically it looks pretty similar to what you guys were doing here in 2024 and last year. From your perspective, how much crossover was there in terms of what you brought from here to Western Michigan?

"There was a lot of crossover. From leaving L.A., stepping foot in Kalamazoo, [Michigan] we implemented a defense that was very similar. I've added some things during that time that we did at Notre Dame. I worked with some really good defensive coaches, Al Golden, Marcus Freeman, Clark Lea, those guys all pieces we implemented into the defense. But the core philosophy and fundamentals are what I picked up here in L.A."

What did you learn calling plays for a season?

"The biggest thing for me, the experience to call plays was incredible because what you learn is there's a flow state to calling plays. You have to have a plan for field zone situations, the style of play from the offense, how the coordinator likes to call the game. Just being able to do that, it's almost like you're in a lab when you're going through that. You're getting better and better and you're getting into that flow state. For me, that was step one, just being able to do that, to apply it and do it in real situations with pressure involved. Then the second thing for me is every time you go on the field your job as a playcaller and as a defensive coordinator is to put your guys in an advantageous position. Whether it's allowing them to do something you're good at or putting them in position where the offense doesn't always have the pen last. They're not able to dial something up and scheme you up consistently. Going through trials and errors of that, through a 14-game season, it was incredible."

How long did it take you to get in that flow considering it was your first time calling plays?

"I think three of the first four drives against Michigan State, we gave up touchdowns. That was a wake-up call, and you learn through that as well. Everything you do during the week is just as important, if not more important, than what you do on gameday. The standards that you demand, the separators that we apply, all of those things show up in the game and you can't get it back. You can't just all of a sudden flip a switch and say, 'Hey, we want to be violent, fast and we want to play square and get off blocks.' Because you have to have built that in through the week of prep and through Fall camp and all those things. That was a big learning point for me and that constant demand we applied as coaches to the players and to the unit is something that really elevated after that first game. Then I would say game two, three four, I really started to get confident in what I was doing on gameday but at the end of the day, it's about the players, the staff, the culture you built and calling plays that help those guys."

From your year away, how much did you keep up with what the Chargers were doing?

"A lot. I sent novels to Coach Minter. After games I would break them down. The beauty of it was, Wednesday night's I would go through it and I would watch the last week's game here, I would put our terminology at Western Michigan, I would put it in there, tag plays then show our guys Thursday, Friday as we got closer to the game, we would show them, 'This is what we're doing, watch the guys at the highest level do it.' There's a lot of comparison there and for me, it kept me sharp and it helped our team where I was at, elevate as well."

Walking back in here, is there a comfort level just knowing a lot of people?

"Yeah, it's incredible. It's been incredible. I think the thing I appreciated the most in my time here is that you're around people that want to be the best version of themselves, they want to be elite. They're elite competitors, and that's from coaches, front office, the players, they demand your best and they demand excellence. For me, walking into that environment every day is really what drives me."

What are your expectations for the staff?

"Expectations, we have an elite staff. We've done defense at a really high level the last couple of years and if we get the opportunity to keep our staff as intact as possible, that's what I want to do. I have great relationships with these guys, I think they're the best in the world, they're technicians, they understand the defense, they understand the demands that we place on the players. I'd be fired up to keep as many as I can."

Do you anticipate anybody leaving?

"I do not. I don't have any specifics, we're working through that. We're going through it as an entire department, organization, but I would be excited to keep all of them."

You still haven't added anybody to replace NaVorro Bowman?

"Not yet."

When you went through this process, what about you made you feel like you were the right person for the job?

"Really the two things I stated earlier. I have the confidence in myself that the foundation of this defense, what makes this defense special and different, I own those areas. I feel I have a mastery of those areas just through my relationship with Coach Minter, being in this building, working with Derwin. The things that separate is I feel really strong about those and what it takes to evolve those and elevate those. Then just doing it for a year, being able to be creative, being able to put guys in different positions and start to learn how to piece the personnel, I have a lot of confidence to do this. I think I'm the right man for the job."

How do you navigate going from a peer of the other coaches to the leader of the group? Have you thought about that?

"100 percent. I think as a coach, you want to win, that's step one. Step two, you want to be respected along with that and you want to feel like you're growing as a coach as well. For me, that's my job. We're going to do things in order to win, they already have my respect and I'm going to put them in position to grow as coaches. I've seen this happen, I was at Notre Dame for six seasons and I saw Clark Lea go from a linebacker coach to a coordinator, I saw Marcus Freeman come in as a coordinator, I saw Al Golden come in with a staff that was already in place. Things I learned through the journey, and ultimately it starts with respect from peer to peer and being decisive and making sure the vision is set every day."

Adding onto that, how do you connect with players you didn't work with a ton in 2024?

"I think, as a coach, you operate with a certain level of respect, accountability, demand on the players. When you transition roles from a position coach to a coordinator, there's not a lot that changes as far as your interactions with them. I think all the guys here see me as a coach, see me as a guy that's going to push them and elevate them and rally pull the most out of them. Again, as a player, that's what you want. When I left Western Michigan, I cried like a baby when I was talking to the players because you invest so much in them. All they want is a coach that loves them, respects them as a person, wants what is best for them but ultimately makes them better. Can you demand more from me than I think I have? That's our job as coaches. As a position coach or coordinator, that's what you're here to do."

What did the player support on social media mean to you?

"Yeah, it was just the calls and texts from those guys that really solidified for me, 'Man, I'm making the right decision.' People can say what they want about levels and all that, but leaving a place you pour your heart and soul into and you have special relationships with the kids and the staff, it's hard. So when I took this job, that was the most challenging part, it was leaving there. But hearing those calls, it was guys I had a similar conversation with a year ago. There was no hesitation, no second guessing and it made it really special."

Did Jesse Minter give you any words of advice?

"We talked briefly. He just said to be myself. We've done things at a really high level but go be you and be great."

Were you trying to get back into the NFL or was this simply the right fit?

"I wasn't trying to go anywhere. I was excited about what we were doing there. Passed up a lot of opportunities. When this one presented itself, once-in-a-lifetime is how I look at it … because of the people in the building and what we're setting our mind and vision to go accomplish."

What other opportunities did you have?

"I won't get into specifics on that, but there were opportunities to leave."

You mentioned Derwin earlier, how excited are you to work with him again? And will his role be similar to what he's recently done?

"Similar. How excited? I can't put it into words. Me and him always talk about how we're addicted to getting better. Be the best. Every single day, you win, you lose, whatever … he's the ultimate competitor. Spending the year I did with him here — I hate saying favorites — but one of my favorite players I've ever worked with and coached because of how contagious his energy is and how great he wats to be. I can't put it into words and I'm ready to get started right now."

Without divulging any secrets, how can you elevate Derwin's role?

"Attention to detail. Being better at what he already does. That's time on task, watching film, making sure we all speak the same language between the coaches that are in the room, myself, him. Just really streamlining his mindset and his process. To me, he's the best version of himself when there's clarity. We always say that clarity equals velocity, so if we give him more clarity then he's going to play faster."

You were a big part of Elijah Molden's onboarding process in 2024. What are you looking forward to about working with him again?

"I don't think I pulled anything out of him, I was just alongside of him. His mindset, he wants to be great but he does it in a different way than Derwin. He's super cerebral, he wants to know the how, the why, he wants to know everything. So, I try to just tailor the way I interact with those guys and teach those guys to what they need and want. For him, it just took explaining everything. You have to give him a reason and explain why we're doing it. Once he knows that, it's full steam ahead. I was available but he did the work. I just gave him the pieces and tried to explain the whys and the hows. I love working with him."

What do you remember about your early interactions with Jesse Minter at Indiana State?

"Rick [Minter] was there as well, so Jesse and Rick were both there at Indiana State. We'd joke about it a lot because I coached with them at Georgia State, Florida Tech, here … they always joked they knew I was going to be a coach when I would talk back to them in scout team when I'd throw a couple touchdowns or whatever. I'd be talking trash to Rick and Jesse. That's kind of where they saw the competitive fire. That's my memories of that. I knew they were great defensive coaches and knew they had the competitive insanity that I have, so we kind of really grew a relationship."

You were a scout team quarterback?

"Oh, yeah. Scout team quarterback for a season and then had some shoulder complications and switched to receiver. Had a lot more success at receiver in college."

What did you learn about your first coaching job as a graduate assistant in 2015 at Georgia State?

"Incredible growth. Fell in love with defense there. The first job I got was defensive line GA. I didn't know anything about defensive line. I walked in and every day was a struggle. You talk about stripping away ego, being humble, trying to find a way to add value to a room where you have no idea what's going on. That was my start as a coach. Through that season, the next season going to defensive backs, I learned competitiveness, passion, energy, violence within the white lines. Those things are what I love in football and embody who I am. That's really where my love for defense grew and the start of my career."

What's your relationship like with Coach Harbaugh?

"Great. Competitor. He always says, 'Competitors, welcome.' The first day I walked into Western, I said the same thing. When you find guys that love football, that are competitive and are good people, the sky is the limit."

You are close with Jesse, but how will you make the defense your own?

"The exciting thing is that I've had a year to do that, right? We hired a young staff out there so it really became, 'How do we want to do this? And how do I want to do this? And what's the vision?' I think the biggest thing is, as I said earlier, I have to be the vison and I have to be the standard. Every day I walk into the building, people look to me for leadership, guidance, what's our plan, how are we going to win? As you do that, your personality and what you believe starts to come out. For me, it's just a day-by-day process. I don't have a big long answer to that, but we're going to be the best versions of ourselves every day. We're going to tailor things to our personnel. And slowly but surely, that will evolve and look different over time. But that's the starting point."

What did you learn about your leadership style last year?

"Constant demand is the main thing that I learned. Every team is different, the personnel is different. What works for certain teams doesn't work for other teams, so you're always evolving. Two phrases we use a lot in the staff room are 'Always evolve' and 'Constant demand.' Our culture, our expectation, how we teach our separators, our scheme, everything … every day we have to set the standard and demand that from our players. Then we get into games, it's like pressing play and is like autopilot at that point. As a leader, it's doing those things and creating genuine relationships — love, care — I'm invested in the guys in this building and I think they'll see that on a day-to-day basis."

Who excited you from the Chargers defense in 2025?

"I think there's a lot of really good personnel. Oweh flashed … there's certain guys on this defense that have really interesting skillsets. I think Elijah, Derwin, Cam, Khalil … all those guys are still playing at really high levels. Daiyan. I just think there's a lot of pieces we're really going to be able to work with and develop their game. When I watched them, I had a similar feel to when I was here. It's kind of the same guys just doing what they do."

Did you call Oweh and Mack and tell them to come back?

"I haven't gotten that far yet [laughs]."

Did you bring the separators to Western Michigan?

"100 percent. We tailored some things so it became a little bit more concise. I wanted the players to be able to spit it back to me and our coaches. Like, if you can reverberate it and spit it back to us and say it in the moment, it's going to show up even faster and better in games. There's some things we'll do to streamline it and be on the cutting edge of that, but 100 percent. It's fundamental defensive football. Wherever you go, that's Step 1 of creating an elite defense."

How big was chance to call plays at Western Michigan as reason why you took that job?

"I really wouldn't say it was a big reason. It didn't really cross my mind. I don't really think like that. I try to be the best at where I am and try to be the best at my job and pour into people. Then as you get to the end of a season, certain things happen and they lead you to your next year or your next stop. For me, there were a set of things that happened and that's where it took me."

Which players did you hear from last week?

"Who do you think? [smiles]. Tony, Derwin … I think Derwin called me as I was taking the job. It was fast. All of those guys, just to hear their excitement and know I feel the same way, made it special."