Chargers Make a Change That Turns Up Heat on Norv Turner

The Chargers, a disappointment at 3-5, have decided to make a change to their coaching staff. Ted Cottrell is out as defensive coordinator and he'll be replaced by linebackers coach Ron Rivera. Cottrell got dealt a bad hand with the injury to Shawne Merriman but, regardless of injuries, 28th in the league in yards allowed is reason enough to make a change.

Rivera had success running Chicago's defense and interviewed for head coaching jobs after the team's trip to the Super Bowl in 2007. He didn't get those jobs and found himself out of his old one when Lovie Smith moved in a different direction.

More important than either Cottrell's failings or Rivera's resume, however, is what this move signals for Norv Turner's future with the Bolts. The team isn't out of the running in the mediocre AFC West but they are underachieving and missing the playoffs could have dire consequences for the head coach. Getting rid of the coordinator will take the focus off Turner for a moment or two but if there is no turnaround after this week's bye, it's hard to see how Turner will survive for a third season on the San Diego sideline.

NFL FanHouse

Chargers Make a Change That Turns Up Heat on Norv Turner originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on 2008-10-28T16:40:00+00:00. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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