Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley elevated his unit in the team's first season in Los Angeles and will reap the benefits with a three-year extension. The Chargers also announced offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt will return next season.
The Chargers' defensive numbers were impressive under Bradley. Led by Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa the Chargers recorded the fifth-most sacks in the NFL (43) and gave up only 197.3 passing yards per game (third-fewest in NFL). Sporting a league-best red-zone defense, the Chargers gave up an average of 17.0 points per game, also third lowest in the league.
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According to ESPN, the Seahawks and Packers were interested in Bradley's services.
After the Chargers rebounded from an 0-4 start, Philip Rivers and running back Melvin Gordon excelled under Whisenhunt. Gordon finished seventh in the league with 1,105 rushing yards while Rivers led the Chargers to be ranked first in the NFL in passing (276.9 yards per game) and fourth in total offense (376.6).
"I'm very excited to have Whiz back for another year," Rivers told the team's website. "We have a chance to really improve and continue the things we have done well. And getting Gus back is really great for our team and our defense. He has brought a lot to our team."
Los Angeles finished 9-7 on the season, second in the AFC West.