More News and Speculation on the Chargers Vacancy

ESPN's John Clayton has dismissed early beliefs that Pete Carroll will be named head coach of the San Diego Chargers following the firing of Marty Schottenheimer. As it stands, the organization has received permission to speak with five coaches, four of whom are defensive-minded coaches.

Ron Rivera, Defensive Coordinator (Chicago)
Rex Ryan, Defensive Coordinator (Baltimore)
Mike Singletary, Assistant Head Coach (San Francisco)
Norv Turner, Offensive Coordinator (San Francisco)
Mike Zimmer, Defensive Coordinator (Atlanta)

The Chargers are standing pat on their football philosophy, which further reinforces that the rift between A.J. Smith and Schottenheimer was personal. The disagreements on how to address staff attrition following the success of a 14-2 campaign was simply the straw that broke the camel's back. With the scouting combines and free agency around the corner, the organization has placed itself in a position in which it must act swiftly and forthright in order to address its head coaching vacancy (and coaching staff vacancies therefrom).

If the Chargers are to hire from this pool of applicants, then I would be surprised if one of the former Bears (Rivera and Singletary) were not hired. Although Rivera is a 4-3 coach, he was a linebacker and not necessarily married to that defensive formation. As for Singletary, the Niners ran a 3-4 last season; however, he lacks Rivera's invaluable coordinator experience and coaching accolades. These vital differences should elevate Rivera to having the first right of refusal for the Chargers head coaching position.