Chargers Lose Defensive Coordinator But Gain Direly Needed Special Teams Help

Filed under: Chargers, AFC West

After finding a new special teams coach, the Chargers started searching for a defensive coordinator.

Ron Rivera left his job as Chargers defensive coordinator on Tuesday to become head coach of the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, the Chargers announced that Rich Bisaccia was joining Norv Turner's staff as special teams coach.

Turner thanked Rivera for his work with the Chargers defense, which ranked first in the league this season, and congratulated him on taking over as Panthers coach.

"I'm excited for Ron," Turner said in a statement released by the Chargers. "He has aspired to be an NFL head coach and I expect him to do an outstanding job.

"Ron is an outstanding communicator. He has worked under and learned from a long list of head coaches. That experience will serve him well. The Panthers are fortunate to land Ron as their new head coach."

Turner said his search for a new defensive coordinator will include candidates outside the organization as well as members of the current staff. Secondary coach Steve Wilks and linebackers coach John Pagano are expected to be interviewed for the defensive coordinator position.

Bisaccia replaced Steve Crosby, who was fired by Turner after the season.

One of the reasons the Chargers missed the playoffs -- despite ranking first in the league in both total offense and total defense -- was because of their blundering special teams. Costly special teams mistakes included having five punts blocked and allowing four returns for touchdowns.

Bisaccia oversaw Tampa Bay's special teams for nine seasons, including the Buccaneers' Super Bowl winning campaign in 2002.

"Rich's special teams have had success in this league," Turner said. "He's been with Tampa Bay for nine years and their teams have been consistently good to excellent."

Last season, the Buccaneers coverage units were among the most effective in the league. Their punt cover unit allowed an average return of 7.3 yards (seventh in the league) and 20.7 yards on kickoff returns (eighth in the league).

Tampa Bay's kick return unit had the eighth-best average in the league (24.3 yards per return) and scored on an 89-yard return for a touchdown.

Bisaccia said he welcomed the chance to work in San Diego under Turner.

 

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/01/11/chargers-lose-defensive-coordinator-but-gain-direly-needed-speci/

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