The Chargers aren’t making the coaching changes that their fans wanted, but someone on Norv Turner’s staff will pay for the team’s second straight season out of the playoffs.
Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky has been fired, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Manusky, who came from San Francisco with an excellent reputation, oversaw San Diego’s defensive decline in 2011. The team fell from tenth in points allowed to 22nd and first in yards allowed to 16th.
It was a soft defense that struggled against physical competition. But the blame for that should primarily go to Chargers G.M. A.J. Smith, who has missed a lot more than he’s hit in drafts over the last few years. It’s not a talented group.
Chargers owner Dean Spanos talked about patience with Norv Turner, but Manusky won’t get the same consideration.
Manusky replaced Ron Rivera, who left last offseason for the Panthers head coaching job. Turner will have to hire his fourth defensive coordinator in six years with the Chargers.