Head coach Mike McCoy is still sorting through his staff, but four members of the 2012 defensive coaching roster are being retained.
They include Defensive Coordinator John Pagano, Linebackers Coach Joe Barry, Assistant Linebackers Coach Greg Williams and Defensive Line Coach Don Johnson.
“The foundation is in place here on defense,” said McCoy. “They had a good defense and did some great things last year, so we’re going to build off that success.”
Pagano is thrilled to keep the continuity going on defense.
“We have excellent coaches coming back,” he said. “They are excellent teachers. How our defense plays is a credit to these coaches. I’m excited as can be to keep growing with this unit.”
Last season, the Bolts defense ranked ninth in the league, surrendering 326.4 yards per game. They were also sixth against the run (96.4 ypg), 18th against the pass (230.1 ypg) and 16th in points allowed (21.9 ppg).
“I’m very excited to be back here to continue to work with coach Pagano” said Barry. “We have unfinished business. We played very well last year but I think we can play even better. It’s great to be here with Coach Mike McCoy. I’m encouraged by the little bit of time we’ve gotten to visit. I’m very excited about his vision and what he sees this team and this defense doing. It’s obviously great to still be a Charger and I’m very excited about our future.”
Greg Williams, assistant linebackers coach, echoed those same sentiments.
“I’m very excited about the changes going on around here,” said Williams. “The continuity on defense is going to be great. I’m really excited about being here and getting to work with the new guys as well as the old guys who are staying.”
