Chargers Hire Mike McCoy

Added on Jan 15, 2013 by Scott in

NFL

After interviewing several candidates to fill their head coaching vacancy, the San Diego Chargers have decided on Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, according to multiple sources. The 40-year-old McCoy also flirted with the Cardinals and Eagles, among others, before agreeing to stay in the AFC West where’s he’s spent the last four seasons as a quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator.

The Chargers watched their once vaunted offense take a tumble in the rankings in 2012, so the hope is that McCoy, who adjusted schemes for both Tim Tebow and Peyton Manning, will be able to revive a Philip Rivers-led attack that finished 20th in scoring and 31st in total yards.

McCoy’s sterling reputation with quarterbacks might be his best quality. He coached Jake Delhomme during the most productive stretch of his career from 2004-2008 with the Panthers, and did the same for Kyle Orton in 2009 and 2010.

His ability to transition to Tebow’s run-option midway through 2011 helped steer Denver to a surprising playoff berth. And adapting to Peyton’s playbook resulted in the second highest scoring offense in the league this past season. With a veteran like Rivers under center, the expectations will be high in 2013.

An influx at the skilled positions will be needed for McCoy to succeed. Antonio Gates turns 33 in June. Malcolm Floyd isn’t a true number one receiver. Ryan Mathews is talented but injury prone. Danario Alexander showed promise in limited action and Vincent Brown has potential when healthy, but the cupboard is bare at this point.

Then there is Rivers, who threw for less than 4000 yards for the first time since 2007. In the last two years, he has thrown 35 interceptions, lost 12 fumbles and been sacked 79 times. Upgrades on the offensive line will solve some of his woes, but a decline in arm strength and decision-making has been evident.

Norv Turner and A.J. Smith are gone. Fans can now target hitch their Super Bowl aspirations to Mike McCoy and GM Tom Telesco.

Source: NFL.com