SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - The San Diego Chargers introduced former Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy as their new head coach Tuesday afternoon.
McCoy and the team worked out the details of a contract that was finalized Tuesday.
Chargers president and CEO Dean Spanos praised McCoy's work developing offenses, as well as his vision of how to build a team.
"It was very clear to us Mike had all the qualities we were looking for in a head coach," Spanos said. "Mike is energetic, he's enthusiastic, forward-thinking and a team builder... bottom line, he's a true leader."
McCoy said he looked forward to working with the team and new Chargers general manager Tom Telesco.
"We've got one goal in mind every year, and that's to win it and be the last team standing up on the podium with a trophy, and that's what we're going to work towards every day from here on out," McCoy said.
During McCoy's last four years as offensive coordinator, the Denver Broncos have made the playoffs both with Peyton Manning as quarterback and Tim Tebow as quarterback. The latter probably easier to get done than the former, said News 8 Sports Anchor John Howard in a live report.
Howard went on to say that he likes the hire and the Chargers are bringing in a person who can take the personnel he has and shape it and mold it to become a winner. And an example of this can be found last year when McCoy changed quarterbacks midstream and had to install an entirely new offensive so the Broncos offensive could be effective with Tim Tebow as quarterback.
According to Chargers.com, McCoy says the Chargers have a great tradition and great people:
"The great thing is it's a family run business. I'm big into family. There's an open door policy for everyone to feel welcome and open to come enjoy the environment that we're all in this together."
McCoy is also a fan of Qualcomm Stadium and the home field advantage the fans give the Chargers, according to the team's website. He goes on to add:
"It's a great place to play," he said. "There's a lot of energy and a lot of excitement. It's a great atmosphere on game day."
According to nfl.com, the Chargers were in the market for an offensive-minded leader and McCoy fits the bill. The Bolts faced Denver eight times during McCoy's four-year tenure with the Broncos.
McCoy spent nine years coaching with the Carolina Panthers and then four years as offensive coordinator, and the quarterbacks coach for a year, with the Denver Broncos.
McCoy replaced Norv Turner, who was fired along with general manager A.J. Smith after the Bolts missed the play-offs for the third season in a row.
This hire came three days after the top-seeded Broncos were eliminated from the playoffs in a home loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
