The Chargers welcomed another new face into the fold on Thursday, naming former Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt the team’s offensive coordinator. I had a chance to meet with Whisenhunt shortly after he was introduced to the media.
Here is what he had to say.
Chargers.com: So how does it feel to wear that Bolt on your shirt?
Whisenhunt: It’s great, I’m excited! When I think about this, it brings back to mind some of the games that we’ve played in this stadium where the crowd was going crazy. What a tough atmosphere that was, so it’s exciting. I’m excited to be a part of the Chargers and I’m very grateful to the Spanos family for bringing me here, Coach (Mike) McCoy and certainly Tom Telesco.
Chargers.com: Can you give the fans a timeline on how this process came about?
Whisenhunt: It’s been pretty quick (laughs). A little bit under a week ago I was in here interviewing, so with everything going on and all the different job openings that you’re trying to potentially interview for, when it all came to a close, then you’ve got to decide what you want to do. And I was very fortunate that Coach McCoy would call me and ask if I had interest in this and I did. It was a great interview here, I felt very comfortable with the direction of the organization, and that was an exciting piece of the puzzle.
Chargers.com: What are you personally looking forward to most working with Coach McCoy?
Whisenhunt: I think just somebody that you have great respect for that you’ve seen have success in different situations that you get a chance to work with. This business is a lot about relationships, not only with players, but with coaches. And when you have somebody who’s had success that you respect so much, to get a chance to work with him, I’m excited about that.
Chargers.com: Now being a former head coach yourself, how much advice are you going to be able to give him?
Whisenhunt: Mike’s prepared. He’ll do a great job. If he has any questions our relationship is such I’m sure that he would ask, but that’s not a concern of mine. I know how prepared he’s been. He’s been in big games with great players in tough situations, and he’s handled it all very well.
Chargers.com: For you personally, how’s the transition going to be going from head coach to offensive coordinator? What are you looking forward to?
Whisenhunt: I’m excited about a new environment, working with these players and helping to get this team back to winning some games. Hopefully we can get into the playoffs.
Chargers.com: Can you give the fans a little description of your offensive philosophies?
Whisenhunt: Well, I think that’s going to be something that we establish over the next couple of months. We’ll get a chance to get some time and go through the tape, talk about what we want to do and what gives us the best chance to be successful going forward. That’s not something that you can sit here a couple hours after you’ve gotten the job and say this is what we’re going to do. I think what we’re going to do is try to put our guys in the best position to score a lot of points, make plays and get our fans excited.
Chargers.com: Finally, when it comes to the roster, who are you really looking forward to work with?
Whisenhunt: Well I’m excited about the chance to work with the quarterback. I got a chance to meet Philip (Rivers) in here and I was very impressed. I’ve been very impressed in the different times through the years when I’ve gotten a chance to talk with him on the field. I’ve talked to Larry (Fitzgerald) about him. I’ve talked to Kurt Warner. I’ve talked to Peyton Manning about him. All were very consistent with high praise for him. Whenever you hear that, you get excited to get a chance to work with him. So I’m really looking forward to that.
