Chargers dump McCoy as coach, 49ers axe GM
LOS ANGELES: Mike McCoy was fired as coach of the NFL’s San Diego Chargers, the club announcing after a season-ending loss Sunday that he would not return for the next campaign.
In four seasons, McCoy had an overall record of 28-38, his farewell bow a 37-27 home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs which left the Chargers a 5-11 record this season.
The Chargers were 1-1 in the playoffs under McCoy, reaching the post-season during his tenure only in his 2013 campaign debut, and they have already started the search for his replacement.
“Mike McCoy is a man of high character and we thank him for his dedication to the Chargers,” Chargers president of football operations John Spanos said. “The decision to dismiss Mike was made in the best interests of our franchise.
“Our team’s disappointing performance has not matched this team’s potential and has fallen short of the demanding standards that we seek to impose throughout our organization.”
McCoy went from 9-7 in the 2014 campaign to 4-12 in 2015 and struggled this season again, going only 7-17 against AFC West division rivals.
“I want to thank Mike for his tireless work and commitment to this organization,” said Chargers general manager Tom Telesco. “He instilled a culture of work ethic and togetherness we can build on for years to come.”
McCoy was the fastest firing but likely far from the last, with axes notoriously falling in past seasons in the days after the NFL regular season concludes.
San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke told KNBR Radio he had been fired, although the club had not yet announced such a move. After a 2-14 season, 49ers coach Chip Kelly is also expected to be swept out in a bid to change the club’s fortunes.
And another coach might be leaving on his own terms, with Denver’s Gary Kubiak reportedly retiring due to health concerns.
NFL Network reported Kubiak, 55, told players he was stepping down over health issues. Kubiak, who missed a game last October for what the Broncos called a “complex migraine condition,” said he would address his future later. Just 11 months ago, Kubiak guided the Broncos to a Super Bowl title in his first season. —AFP