Los Angeles Chargers to hire Vanderbilt assistant coach Jimmy Thompson

The Los Angeles Chargers, led by head coach Jim Harbaugh, are set to hire Jimmy Thompson as a defensive backs coach. Thompson, who has been with Vanderbilt for five years, has quickly advanced through coaching ranks, starting as a graduate assistant in 2021 and becoming the nickels coach by 2024. His coaching career includes positions at Notre Dame, Hinsdale Central High School, and LSU. Thompson's playing career includes time as a linebacker at Notre Dame, where he connected with Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea. The Chargers, who finished last season with an 11-6 record, have also appointed Chris O'Leary as their new defensive coordinator.