Nick Hardwick: Chargers must 'look outside the box' for next HC

The Los Angeles Chargers are searching for answers and looking to turn their fortunes around this offseason following a disappointing 7-9 campaign.

Los Angeles fired Anthony Lynn on Jan. 4 after the head coach posted a 33-31 record across four seasons. The Chargers submitted requests to interview several of the hot candidates on the block, including San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, and Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

Chargers legend Nick Hardwick offered his top choices to become the 17th head coach in team history on "The Jake Asman Show" on SportsMap Radio.

"I really like Eric Bieniemy," he said. "And I tell you because being in the division with Andy Reid for so many years now ... his staff, his approach to the players, the kind of liberties that he gives his players - but also the system that he has them operate in. It's amazing to me that you can really have the best of both worlds."

Bieniemy remains one of the most popular names in the head coaching rumor mill over the past couple of seasons given the success of the Kansas City Chiefs' offense. The offensive coordinator has interviewed with several teams, including the Chargers, during the Chiefs' bye week ahead of the divisional round of the playoffs.

Hardwick didn't limit his search to a well-known commodity, however. He also mentioned Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub and stressed the importance of creative thinking while the Chargers carry out their search.

"I know special teams isn't a glamor head coach hire, but I don't necessarily think the head coach needs to be your play-caller," he said. "I don't think he needs to be your defensive coordinator. Look outside the box and look at somebody who has great connections, who really understands football."

Teams around the league appear to be giving more consideration to special teams personnel. The New York Giants recently hired Joe Judge as head coach after he served as the New England Patriots' special teams coordinator in 2020. The Baltimore Ravens brought on current boss John Harbaugh after his stint as the Philadelphia Eagles' special teams coach.

"Look at a special teams coordinator ... they're the one coach outside the strength coach who has to coach every player, other than the quarterbacks, on a daily basis," Hardwick added. "And they stand in front of a room and they command attention. I think you can really tell the skill of a coaching staff based on how well their special teams is coached."

Hardwick, who spent his entire 10-year career with the Chargers, believes "atrocious" play on special teams contributed to Lynn's demise as head coach in Los Angeles.

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