Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
After an uncomfortable week, the San Diego Chargers appear to have found a map. The organization is putting together an awfully impressive coaching staff under newly named head coach Mike McCoy and that bodes well for improvement in 2013. Let’s take a closer look at each member of the staff and what their presence will mean for next season.
Mike McCoy, head coach – Clearly, bringing in McCoy tops the list for the Bolts in improvements, as it isn’t hard to upgrade from Norv Turner. Still, many around the league have said that McCoy was next in line to get a job in the league and several teams that made coaching changes a year ago expressed that he was their second choice. His offensive success within the AFC West bodes well for a San Diego offense, which was ranked next to last in the league in 2012. Look for Philip Rivers and company to take a significant step forward under McCoy’s direction.
Ken Whisenhunt, offensive coordinator – Speaking of Rivers, the addition of Whisenhunt to this coaching staff should also provide a serious boost on offense. While he fell on hard times of late with the Arizona Cardinals, his first few seasons were quite successful with a real quarterback under center. Rivers should fill that void, and he will have a new coach to work with as well in Frank Reich. The former Buffalo Bills legend known best for “the comeback”, Reich knows a thing or two about quarterbacking, and will provide Rivers with a fresh set of eyes to help him regain his status as one of the NFL’s best at his position.
John Pagano, defensive coordinator – Perhaps the biggest addition is the subtraction that didn’t happen on this staff for the Bolts. Pagano was coveted by several teams while the Chargers were making a decision on who would be the head coach in 2013, but his loyalty never wavered. Now he is the final piece to the trifecta of coaches that make up this impressive San Diego staff. Look for more development from the Bolts on defense. as this young team continues to mature under their aggressive coordinator.
It might be a bit premature, but on paper, the Chargers certainly have an impressive coaching staff. If each of these individuals lives up to their personal resumes, the Bolts could quickly distance themselves from the ineptitude of years past and accelerate into a new era of Chargers football.
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