Interim HC Giff Smith keeping Chargers focused on finishing strong
Despite there not being much to play for, sitting at 5-9, Chargers interim head coach Giff Smith is making sure the team is staying focused for the final three games of the season.
“We’ve got a three-week season and we’re going to play to win.”
Smith takes over for Brandon Staley, who was fired after going 24-25 in nearly three seasons. He has been with the organization since 2016 when he started as the defensive line coach before becoming the outside linebackers coach in 2022.
Staley was let go following the embarrassing 63-21 loss to the Raiders last Thursday night. Instead of reflecting on that game, Smith and everyone else only has their eyes set on this Saturday’s contest against the Bills.
“It was embarrassing to everybody involved in it. I take that with me, since I’m the man in charge now. We’re moving past that,” he said. “We have three weeks to show the character of the men and the coaching staff that we are, to go out there and compete.”
After this weekend, the Chargers will be on the road to face the Broncos before finishing the season at home against the Chiefs.
As he gets ready for his first game as an NFL head coach, Smith has received advice from multiple people, but the best piece of advice has come from Chan Gailey, who had Smith on his staffs at Georgia Tech and the Bills
“I thought that Chan Gailey had a great one,” Smith said. “He said, ‘All of those suggestions and thoughts that you had are now decisions. Good luck.'”
