[Franklinnoble]

San Diego
January, 2008

For the first time in years, the Chargers made front-page news with a positive story.

Shocking! Chargers Clean House - New Staff Hired

Perhaps team owner Franklin Brown finally found his wallet. Yesterday, in a move entirely contrary to his usually frugal nature, the Chargers boss fired his entire coaching and scouting staff, and announced new and expensive replacements.

The Chargers will now be coached by Russell Feingold, who is considered one of the hottest young coaches in the league. Feingold was hired away from Jacksonville, where he led the Jaguars to the playoffs twice in five years. At 40, he is still the youngest head coach in the league. Feingold announced that Bennie Blackwell has been hired as his offensive coordinator. Blackwell comes from the Indianapolis Colts, and is considered a wizard with young quarterbacks. While at Indianapolis, the Colts made three playoff appearances, including a berth in the Super Bowl. Dominic Swiney was named defensive coordinator, having just guided the Tennessee Titans defense to a Super Bowl victory.

The Chargers have also replaced lead scout David Fulcher with Brenden Walsh, who has no prior NFL experience.