Chargers fire Cottrell, name Rivera new defensive coordinator

[Whisper]

SAN DIEGO -- Without a sack or interception in the last nine quarters, the San Diego Chargers on Tuesday fired defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell and replaced him with inside linebackers coach Ron Rivera.

Cottrell had become a popular target of fan ire as the Chargers (3-5) lost three of their last four games, including a 37-32 loss to former teammate Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints in London on Sunday.

That game was indicative of the Chargers' defensive shortcomings, with no pressure on the quarterback and a lot of passing yards.

Coach Norv Turner decided after the game that Cottrell had to go, and informed him on Monday morning.

"Probably the things that we have needed to improve in are the same things that affected us in Week 2 and so on," Turner said. "The same things have been an issue throughout the first eight games, at different times."

The Chargers are at or near the bottom of the NFL rankings in several defensive categories, including last in pass defense.

Rivera played linebacker for the Chicago Bears' 1985 Super Bowl champion team. He interviewed for the head coaching job that went to Turner in February 2007 after Marty Schottenheimer was fired.

"I think it's a great opportunity for myself personally and I think it's also an opportunity for us a team to do some things differently," Rivera said. "I think it's a good challenge."

Cottrell was hired the same day as Turner. Hours later, Rivera was hired after the Bears said he wouldn't be back as their defensive coordinator.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3669441


YES!
Prayers have finally been answered!

Has been Cottrell is gone and the fiery Rivera is finally running the show. A move of desperation? Hell yeah? Was it needed? Haaaaale yeah.
This is a move I've been pushing for since last season even with the win streak. Now it's time to just see if it works.

 

[jarrod2323]

wow. Cotrell is highly regarded as a defensive guru.. good to see Rivera getting a shot, though