San Diego Chargers first-year general manager Tom Telesco didn’t make it all the way through his list of scheduled interviews. When he talked to Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy on Monday, Telesco knew the talking was done.
McCoy edged out Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden and former Bears head coach Lovie Smith, among others. The Chargers didn’t interview Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians; he was scheduled to sit down with Telesco on Wednesday.
As resumes go, McCoy’s was on display for his new employer to see when the Chargers gave up 65 points in two memorably painful losses to the Broncos.
That was a carryover from the previous season, when Denver beat San Diego 16-13 with a crawling offense operated by Tim Tebow.
If nothing else, the 40-year-old McCoy is adaptable, converting a multiple-receiver passing offense to a downhill, run-first attack five weeks into the 2011 season.
McCoy has shown a golden touch with quarterbacks in recent seasons.
In his first season with Peyton Manning, the Broncos transitioned from a power running offense (164.5 yards per game) to a high-tempo passing scheme (283 yards per game). The Broncos were fourth in total offense and second in scoring.
The Chargers are hoping for a similar resurrection of Philip Rivers, who has fallen off behind a poor offensive line and a ragtag receiving corps that in 2012 missed Vincent Jackson.
McCoy’s offensive coordinator post in Denver could be filled quickly. According to multiple reports, the Broncos were plotting to move swiftly to meet with deposed Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt.