Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh makes decision that could turn key player into superstar as soon as 2026 season
The Bolts just made a great decision for the future of their defense.
The Los Angeles Chargers are putting the finishing touches on their 2026 coaching staff for head coach Jim Harbaugh. The latest move is one that should get a ton of praise immediately.
Chargers’ latest hire may help Tuli Tuipulotu turn into a superstar
According to Jordan Schultz, the Chargers are hiring former Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebackers coach Denzel Martin as assistant OLBs coach for Jim Harbaugh’s staff. Chris O’Leary was hired earlier this offseason as the team’s new defensive coordinator, replacing Jesse Minter.
Tuli Tuipulotu emerged in 2024 with 8.5 sacks during that campaign. Then, in 2025, we saw his strongest season as a pro so far when he totaled 13 sacks, 23 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles.
With Martin joining the fold, his style of rushing could take the next step forward. The former Steelers assistant found mass success with Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, both draft picks that didn’t come in the first two rounds.
Tuipulotu is probably the most gifted player of that group, so I believe the best is still yet to come for him with this new coaching staff for the Chargers.
Denzel Martin’s coaching history projects potential greatness for Chargers
Rob Gregson, who covers the Steelers, gave me some insight about this coaching staff addition for the Bolts. He’s got a lot of respect for Martin.
“The Chargers just nailed their assistant EDGE coach hire. Martin had been with the Steelers since T.J. Watt was there. He was revered in that locker room and for good reason. Not only was he integral in the development of Watt, but he also took a third-round pick in Alex Highsmith and turned him into the best EDGE defender that the Steelers had in 2025.
But if you really want to see how good a coach Martin is, look no further than Nick Herbig. Martin helped bring Herbig from a day three draft pick who was largely believed to be a tweener, and turned him into a deadly designated pass rusher. The bottom line is that Martin has a history of working with premier pass rushers, and I’m sure that will continue in Los Angeles.”
I think this sort of move can catapult a position group, who showed more signs of life last season, into being one of the top units in the AFC. The Chargers pass rush was clearly stronger with Odafe Oweh in the room, following a trade with the Baltimore Ravens.
He is set to become a free agent this offseason, though. Tough decisions will come at the outside LB and EDGE spot along the Chargers roster, but there’s faith that Martin can help them develop and shine going forward in Los Angeles.
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