The beginning of Anthony Lynn‘s tenure as the Chargers’ head coach will likely bring about the end of defensive coordinator John Pagano‘s long run with the organization. The club isn’t expected to retain Pagano, reports Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune (Twitter link).
With high-profile defensive coordinator candidate Gus Bradley set to interview for that role with the Chargers, the news of Pagano’s forthcoming exit comes as no surprise. Bradley is reportedly the front-runner to land the job with the newly minted Los Angeles franchise. Further, the idea of Bradley joining a Lynn-fronted staff has come up as a possibility since the latter was the Bills’ interim head coach at the end of the regular season.
To this point, Pagano has spent his entire coaching career with the Chargers, who hired him as a defensive quality control coach in 2002. He eventually climbed to the defensive coordinator position in 2012, though the unit mostly struggled under Pagano. In his first four years on the job, the Chargers didn’t post a better defensive DVOA ranking than 18th, and they finished last in the NFL in 2013. The defense turned in its best Pagano-led showing in 2016 (eighth), but it doesn’t appear that will be enough to save the 49-year-old.
While Pagano is on his way out, some of his assistants will remain in place. Earlier Friday, Sporting News’ Alex Marvez reported that defensive line coach Giff Smith, defensive backs coach Ron Milus and assistant DBs coach Chris Harris will return in 2017. Linebackers coach Bob Babich is gone, though, having taken a job with Lynn’s previous employer – Buffalo.
The Chargers r a joke! And a bad jpke at that. Not only did the Dolts hose San Diego…now there screwing John Pagano!! With their outstanding and now former DC kicked to the curb…..despite being a bolts coach since 2002. Nothing like beiff
I have lived in San Diego my whole life. I was a die hard Chargers Fan through the good and the bad.
I thought long and hard who I would spend my Sundays with.
I am now Steeler fan, great coach, great owner ship and best three players in the NFL (killer “B’s) pretty happy with my decision.
#steelernatiion
Dean Spanos is and always will be a horrible owner and a sell out!
Don’t get any splinters in your ass jumping on that bandwagon
Bush league! The Chargers r a minor league disgrace and an embarrsasment to the entire NFL. Firing John Pagano is just the latest example of how hideous the Bolt’s treatment of not only their own fans…but their own coaches! Frankly…Pagano would have been a much better pick for a new head coach…rather than Lynn! Pagano would have made for a better transistion from McGee than a guy who’s been a running backs coach most of his career. Good luck to the Bolts! Theyre going to need it…
So a coach got fired and somehow the Chargers do not treat their coaches well???
Sorry Doug Young. Grow up. This is the big leagues. Coaches get fired all the time by every team. Not just the Chargers.
Bolts gave up fourth most points in nfl this season. Pagano should be replaced. Gus Bradley is major upgrade.
damn, seems like many of the comments here have Feelings > Reason.
when a new HC gets hired…normally everyone is let go and he brings in his own guys. this “my feelings are hurt because of pags…” is weak.
how embarrassing.