Prior to the 2009 season, Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner made six changes to his coaching staff. Following an adjustment period early in the season, the moves paid dividends as San Diego won 11-straight games to finish the season.
Adaptation won’t be necessary in 2010. All of the Chargers’ assistants are under contract for next season as San Diego chases a fifth-consecutive AFC West title.
“I think in a couple areas it took us a little longer for everyone on our coaching staff to gel last season, but once we were all on the same page, I think it showed up,” Turner said. “I think that continuity will be even more present and hopefully it will help us get off to one of those fast starts everyone is looking for next season.”
On several occasions last season, Turner praised the efforts of his coaching staff. Despite numerous injuries that forced the Chargers to rely on several young players, San Diego didn’t miss a beat through the final two months of the regular season.
“When you think about playing 62 different guys and the number of guys we started on the offensive and defensive lines, at the linebacker positions as well as the constant change we had in the kicking game, that’s a challenge,” Turner said. “Our coaches and our players responded to that challenge.”
In December, Turner cited numerous players who he believed had their best seasons of their careers, and he gave his assistants a lot of credit for their hand in those performances. The achievements of Chargers players and coaches came after Turner challenged them last offseason.
“In the spring we talked about, ‘Hey, let’s see how many (players) can go out and have their best season of their career,’” Turner said. “We had a lot of guys that did that. I talked to the coaches the same way. ‘Lets see how many guys on this staff can have their best coaching year ever’ and they responded.”
