The San Diego Chargers' ability to replace Ron Rivera wasn't as simple as they thought. One year after Rivera left to coach the Carolina Panthers and enjoy the services of one Cam Newton, the Chargers have fired their own defensive coordinator in Greg Manusky. Apparently after a season in which the Chargers missed the playoffs but retained head coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith, someone had to go.
"Manusky, who came from San Francisco with an excellent reputation, oversaw San Diego’s defensive decline in 2011," writes Gregg Rosenthal. "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."