The San Diego Chargers have reportedly retained head coach Mike McCoy, but are making staff changes around him.
McCoy was rumored to be in trouble after a 4-12 season, but according to Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune, he will coach the team in 2016. McCoy’s first two seasons were more successful 9-7 campaigns and he was faced with injuries and player personnel issues in 2015. Decision makers believe the team never quit on McCoy despite the struggles, which was a factor in his retention.
While McCoy is safe, his staff are not, with Gehlken reporting that “substantial changes” are coming to that unit. Gehlken reported on Monday that offensive coordinator Frank Reich was the first casualty. Reich was a head coaching candidate as recently as last offseason, having interviewed for the Buffalo and New York Jets jobs.
It’s worth noting that Ken Whisenhunt, who is currently unemployed, had a successful year as McCoy’s offensive coordinator in San Diego in 2013. According to Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole, the team is interested in making that reunion happen.
It would have been harsh for the Chargers to throw McCoy under the bus for the season. It was his first poor campaign as a coach, and injuries were definitely a factor in the team’s struggles.
