Mike McCoy Hired As Charger Head Coach

I was just telling a friend of mine that I was a little surprised and somewhat disappointed.  I heard about it early today and saw the press conference that was held about an hour ago.

I read McCoy's history when his name came up as a possible Head Coach for many of the teams searching for one.  It isn't a highlight filled history.  He was on the Panthers coaching staff from 2000-2008 as a position coach, then became the Broncos' offensive coordinator.  His claim to fame is changing the offense to fit Tim Tebow in 2011 and Kyle Orton having a career best season in 2009, the first year with McCoy as OC.  So how does that make him a Hot Head Coach candidate?  I don't remember anyone fearing Orton and the Broncos offense or that their scheme was difficult to defense.  Tebow's offense in 2011 wasn't impressive unless the game was close and Tebow made his magic happen.  I would also think that Peyton Manning would have success this season no matter who the OC was. 

I'm hoping there's something about this guy that I'm missing.

On the plus side, he isn't one of those "we're going to run my style, no matter what the personnel is" kind of coach. He revamped the offense to fit Tebow, then revamped it again to fit Manning.  I believe the "lets run a scheme that fits our talents" philosophy lends itself to a quicker turn around than, "Lets get guys in that can play the way I want to" philosophy. 

In the press conference, McCoy promised to bring changes to team routines like practice and travel schedules, and even the food.  I said before this team needs a culture change to turn it around, hopefully this will be it.

McCoy said he would hire an offensive coordinator and that the OC would call the plays.  Norv Turner called his own plays while he was HC.  McCoy also said he needed to meet with defensive coordinator John Pagano before making a decision on whether he would be retained.  I liked the direction the defense was heading under Pagano this season and hope he stays on. The Chargers have always had good linebacker play and Pagano was the LB coach from 2005 until being promoted to DC prior to the beginning of this season. 

If McCoy had a hand in the Broncos' draft choices I'll be a happy man come draft day.  The Broncos used a 2nd round pick in 2012 to get RT Orlando Franklin and a 2nd round pick in 2010 to get LG Zane Beadles.  Franklin and Beadles have started every game since joining the club.  RT Ryan Clady has made 3 Pro Bowls and started every game since being drafted in 2008.  That's 3 drafted lineman that started every game...can't be a coincidence.  RG Chris Kuper was drafted in 2006 and is the only Guard in NFL history to not allow a sack in an entire season (2008).  C Dan Koppen is the lone starting lineman that was acquired by trade, coming from New England where he played from 2003-2010 (he was injured in 2011). They are one of, if not the best, o-line in the NFL.

The Broncos made the O-line a priority, something the Chargers haven't done in years.  SD hasn't drafted an O-lineman before the 5th round since 2009 when they grabbed RG Louis Vasquez with their 3rd pick.  SD's offensive line has been suspect since 2006.  In contrast, the Broncos' offensive line was one of the reasons Peyton Manning choose to go to Denver. 

I'm hoping it's those little things that will make McCoy a great head coach for the Chargers because I couldn't find a big reason for why he will be the next great coach.