Three years ago, Steve Crosby was named the NFL's top special teams coach. But after he presided over what was by some measures the worst special teams season in NFL history, the Chargers decided not to renew his contract and let go after nine seasons with the Chargers.
Two teams since 1994 had allowed more kickoff returns for touchdowns and five allowed as many as the Chargers' three this season. Two had allowed more blocked punts than the Chargers' four (plus one deflection). None since 1976 had allowed a higher punt return average than the Chargers' 18.9 yards.
No team had come close to doing all three in the same season.
Both Norv and A.J. had for months defended Crosby. They alluded to the many injuries that had an effect on the special teams' lineups.
But the preponderance of mishaps -- including a few near-blocks in recent weeks -- demanded reckoning.
Players were let go during the season, and more will leave now that the Chargers' 9-7 campaign is over.
Someone had to take the fall, so Crosby paid with his job.
Crosby joined the Chargers as part of Marty Schottenheimer's incoming staff in 2002. Crosby has coached with four other NFL teams in a 33-year NFL coaching career.
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