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Chargers retain defensive coordinator John Pagano

The Chargers will keep defensive coordinator John Pagano on Mike McCoy’s staff.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

While the San Diego Chargers lost offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt to the Tennessee Titans, defensive coordinator John Pagano will not be going anywhere, according to Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Pagano re-signed with San Diego on Tuesday. His two-year contract was set to expire following the Super Bowl.

Pagano has been with the Chargers since 2002 and has worked his way up from a quality control assistant to defensive coordinator. The younger brother of Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, he was named defensive coordinator in 2012 during the last year of Norv Turner's tenure. He was retained by new head coach Mike McCoy last offseason and was linked to the same job with the Titans by ESPN, after Whisenhunt was hired on Monday. Pagano would have been allowed to make a lateral move to Tennessee, as his contract was done with the Chargers.

Pagano’s unit ranked 23rd in the league in total defense this season, but allowed the 11th fewest points. The defense ranked 12th against the run but allowed the fourth most passing yards.

The Chargers went 9-7 this year and won a playoff game under McCoy and Pagano.

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