The Chargers have identified the top candidate to fill their offensive line coaching position.

Brendan Nugent has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Frank Smith as the offensive line coach for the Chargers, a source informed the Southern California News Group on Monday. Nugent was the New Orleans Saints’ offensive line coach in 2021.

Smith, who spent one season as the Chargers’ offensive line coach and running game coordinator, was hired as the Miami Dolphins’ offensive coordinator, a source confirmed Monday.

Nugent has been with the Saints since 2015 and also assisted with tight ends and the running game. Nugent worked with Chargers offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi for five seasons when Lombardi was the quarterbacks coach in New Orleans.

Smith managed to turn a struggling Chargers offensive line into a productive unit in a one-year span. He was instrumental in the development of rookie left tackle Rashawn Slater and quickly found chemistry for a starting group with four new players to open Week 1 of the 2021 season.

Slater and center Corey Linsley were named starters in the Pro Bowl under the guidance of Smith. But the Chargers were inconsistent on the right side of the offensive line because of lengthy injuries to right tackle Bryan Bulaga and right guard Oday Aboushi.

Now the Chargers, and possibly Nugent, are tasked with forming a formidable right side to protect quarterback Justin Herbert and build on the offensive line’s overall success in 2021.