The Chargers on Monday confirmed they have interviewed Steve Clinkscale for the defensive coordinator position.

Bookmark the Chargers Defensive Coordinator Candidate Tracker for the latest news.

Here are five things to know about Clinkscale:

1. Last two years in SoCal

Clinkscale has spent the past two seasons in Los Angeles.

Brought onto the defensive staff after Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh was hired in early 2024, Clinkscale has spend the pair of seasons as the Bolts defensive backs coach.

The cornerbacks and safeties have been a big part of the team's defensive success in the pair of seasons with the coach, as they've seen a number of rookies and outside free agents be able to slot in and make an impact.

2. A strong secondary

The Chargers secondary has seen a lot of success under Clinkscale.

Aside from helping the unit be a top 10 scoring defense in 2024 and 2025, they've also ranked in the top 10 in passing yards allowed per game and interception rate in each of those two season.

And when looking at the secondary in particular, they've stacked up among the best in the NFL.

The Chargers cornerbacks and safeties have allowed the third-lowest passer rating when targeted in the NFL with an 86.9 over the last two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus.

They also have 34 interceptions and have allowed just 40 touchdowns in that same timeframe, which is also good for third-best in the NFL.

3. National Champion

Prior to making the jump to the NFL coaching ranks, Clinkscale coached in some high-level collegiate games at Michigan.

Clinkscale spent three years with the Wolverines alongside Harbaugh as their defensive backs coach, adding the co-defensive coordinator title near the end of his tenure.

He helped Michigan capture the National Championship in his final season with the university, as he helped them finish the year with the top-ranked defense in college football, allowing just 247.0 total net yards per game enroute to a 15-0 record.

4. Extensive college resumé

While the Chargers were his first NFL coaching job, Clinkscale's coaching experience in college dates back.

Clinkscale had a focused expertise with defensive backs, spending time at Kentucky, Cincinnati, Illinois, Toledo and Western Carolina over his career.

This was after getting his career started at his alma mater, Ashland University, following his being a student-athlete there.

5. Experience calling plays

Clinkscale does have some experience calling plays.

During his three years at Cincinnati, he spent the first two as their secondary coach before earning the defensive coordinator job in his final season.

He helped the Bearcats rank third in the American Athletic Conference in pass yards allowed in 2015.