Chargers hire another prominent former 49ers player to coaching staff
The LA Chargers have followed a straightforward trend since hiring head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz. The duo has prioritized players and coaches who have existing ties to them. This is why Greg Roman and Jesse Minter are coordinators, and why there are several former Baltimore Ravens on the roster.
Harbaugh has also made a habit out of hiring former players to his coaching staff. Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman is the team’s linebackers coach while former Chargers center Nick Hardwick is an assistant offensive line coach. Neither had NFL coaching experience before joining the Bolts’ staff.
Harbaugh and the Chargers have continued this trend with the team’s latest addition to the coaching staff. Former 49ers tight end Delanie Walker revealed in an appearance on “Raw Room” that he will be joining Harbaugh’s coaching staff for training camp this year.
Delanie Walker coaching Chargers can be great for both sides
Walker is not going to be a full-time coach on the Chargers’ staff and will merely be helping out during training camp. That being said, this partnership could still be very beneficial for both parties.
The Chargers are getting a long-time tight end who was a multiple-time Pro Bowler. Walker wasn’t just a pass-catching threat, he could do it all on offense and that is certainly going to have a positive impact on the tight ends on the roster.
The tight end position is one of the weakest on the entire Chargers’ roster. Will Dissly is a good blocker but is not a pass-catching threat. Hayden Hurst was a talented pass-catching threat at one point but has injury concerns. Donald Parham is a talented red-zone option but hasn’t really put it all together.
Having someone who has walked the walk may help this tight-end room find its identity, especially as it looks to find its footing in Roman’s offense. Thankfully, Walker has played in Roman’s offense and can be a direct help in that regard.
As for Walker, he gets a chance to see if coaching is his speed. If this is something Walker is effective at and enjoys then he could be the next former Pro Bowl player to make the jump to helping the next generation.
And if he makes a very good impression in LA, perhaps he can join Harbaugh’s staff full-time to continue having a positive impact on the tight-end room.
