The San Diego Chargers' nightmare season may soon cost head coach Mike McCoy his job. According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, McCoy's future with the organization could be determined over the next two games. He appears to firmly be on the hot seat.
Chargers reportedly close to firing Mike McCoy
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reports the Chargers’ brass is expected to make a decision after the next two games.
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This is a critical stretch for the 1-3 Chargers, who will face the Oakland Raiders Sunday and Denver Broncos Thursday. After two consecutive second half meltdowns against the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, their season seems to be slipping away.
The loss against New Orleans last week was especially atrocious. With 6:50 remaining in regulation, the Chargers were firmly in control and holding onto a 34-21 lead. But then running back Melvin Gordon fumbled on the Chargers' 10-yard line, setting up an easy Saints touchdown. Receiver Travis Benjamin coughed up the football on the first play of San Diego's next drive, which led to the game-winning score.
“[I’m] furious,” McCoy said afterwards, via ESPN. “It’s a major disappointment. You get the lead we had, and to fall apart — a major disappointment. Frustration is an understatement. I can’t say right now in this microphone how I really, truly feel.”
With that loss, the Chargers’ record in games decided by eight points or fewer over the last two seasons dropped to 3-12. San Diego almost let McCoy go following a 4-12 finish in 2015, but opted to fire seven assistant coaches instead. McCoy was given a one-year contract extension that runs through 2017.
It's been a tumultuous several months in San Diego, highlighted by the team's contractual standoff with first-round pick Joey Bosa that carried through training camp. Bosa is expected to make his season debut Sunday.
Injuries have also snakebitten the Chargers this year. No. 1 wideout Keenan Allen tore his ACL Week 2 and will be out for the rest of the season. Running back Danny Woodhead and Pro Bowl cornerback Jason Verrett are also on injured reserve with ACL tears. Linebacker Manti Te’o, running back Branden Oliver, and tight end Jeff Cumberland have been lost due to torn achilles tendons.
According to Football Outsiders' calculations, the Chargers rank 27th, 31st, and 28th in adjusted games loss over the last three years, which factors injuries to starters and whether guys are playing hurt. That's beyond unlucky, but not an excuse. After going 9-7 in McCoy's first two years, the Chargers have only won four of their last 20 contests.
A run of losing like that would probably cost any coach his job.
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