The San Diego Chargers have fired defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell for his underperforming defense. Linebackers coach Ron Rivera will replace Cottrell for the rest of the season.

“Ultimately we had a lot of discussion after the game. Ultimately I’ve got to make a decision based on what’s best on our football team and where we need to go and that was the decision I made,” Chargers head coach Norv Turner said.

“We know what we have to do, we have to create more pressure on the quarterback, and obviously when we create pressure, not give up big plays.”

Cottrell wasn’t the reason their defense has been struggling, it’s not his fault star linebacker Shawne Merriman opted for season-ending knee surgery. Ron Rivera may very well be a better coach than Cottrell but it won’t make much of a difference in this situation.