There are three possibilities for why Mike McCoy continues to approve absurd offensive gameplans and conduct in-game machinations as if he’s straddling a 300-foot precipice afraid the wrong move will end his life.

A. He is an inept coward.

B. He has been instructed to lose in the interest of getting a better draft pick.

C. He knows his team is so bad his maneuvers are inconsequential.


“A” is arguable. “B” is preposterous. “C” could actually be defensible.

At this point, the answer is irrelevant.

McCoy can’t be the coach of the Chargers for more than three days in 2016.

When the season ends in Denver on Jan. 3, he should be allowed to make the return flight and then be relieved of his duties.


No further evaluation is required. It doesn’t matter what John Spanos and Tom Telesco think they might know that we might not.

× Acee-Gehlken Chiefs Post-Game Analysis

The Chargers cannot take this guy into a campaign.

The team is 2-8, presently possessing the No.1 pick in the 2016 draft, quite possibly on their way to 2-14. McCoy has done nothing to inspire confidence things will get better and doesn’t have the resume to justify a reprieve nor the personality to ingratiate himself to fans.


Complete coverage: Chiefs 33, Chargers 3

It is a dangerous game when teams pander to the public, but there are times when perception is important.

The Chargers must pay heed to the fact they will either be trying to win fans in a fickle and glamorous metropolis or win votes in a fair weather seaside city that is presently disposed to dislike them (or worse, is disinterested).

Yeah, when Javontee Herndon muffed a fourth-quarter punt setting the Chiefs up for yet another score en route to a 33-3 victory, the boos were hardly audible. So, too, were the cheers that echoed around Qualcomm Stadium when the Chiefs scored their final touchdown with 2½ minutes to play. At that point, the folks in red were the only ones around to make any noise.

It was, indeed, the sound of indifference.


1 / 100 Former Chargers runningback LaDainian Tomlinson gets emotional as his number 21 was retired at Qualcomm Stadium during halftime of the Chiefs game. (K.C. Alfred) 2 / 100 Former Chargers runningback LaDainian Tomlinson is congratulated by former teammate Donnie Edwards, left, after Tomlinson’s number 21 was retired at Qualcomm Stadium. (K.C. Alfred) 3 / 100 Former Chargers runningback LaDainian Tomlinson’s number 21 was retired and he was inducted into the Ring of Honor at Qualcomm Stadium during halftime of the Chiefs game. (K.C. Alfred) 4 / 100 Former Chargers runningback LaDainian Tomlinson salutes the crowd as his number 21 was retired at Qualcomm Stadium during halftime of the Chiefs game. (K.C. Alfred) 5 / 100 Former Chargers runningback LaDainian Tomlinson’s number 21 was retired at Qualcomm Stadium during halftime of the Chiefs game. (K.C. Alfred) 6 / 100 Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers leaves the field after a 33-3 loss to the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 7 / 100 Chiefs Spencer Ware scores a touchdown in the 4th quarter against the Chargers. (K.C. Alfred) 8 / 100 Chargers King Dunlap sits on the bench during the final moments of a 33-3 loss to the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 9 / 100 Chargers Jason Verrett, Joe Barksdale, D.J. Fluker, and Melvin Ingram leave the field after a 33-3 loss to the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 10 / 100 Chargers Melvin Gordon walks off the field after Sundays lost to the Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 11 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers watched from the sidelines late in the 4th quarter during Sundays lost to the Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 12 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers watched from the sidelines late in the 4th quarter during Sundays lost to the Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 13 / 100 Chargers Corey Liuget watched from the sidelines late in the 4th quarter during Sundays lost to the Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 14 / 100 Chargers Manti Te’o is unable to stop Chiefs Spencer Ware from scoring in the 2nd half of a home game lost to the Chiefs. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 15 / 100 Chargers owner Dean Spanos sits in a box during the Chargers loss to the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 16 / 100 Chiefs Alex Smith scrambles agaisnt the Chargers in the 3rd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 17 / 100 Fans thank LaDainian Tomlinson, who had his number 21 retired at halftime of the Chiefs game. (K.C. Alfred) 18 / 100 Chiefs Tamba Hali celebrates sacking Chargers Philip Rivers in the 3rd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 19 / 100 Chiefs Justin Houston returns an interception for a touchdown in the 3rd quarter against the Chargers. (K.C. Alfred) 20 / 100 Chargers Javontee Herndon is stopped at the 15-yard line on a kick return by Chiefs D.J. Alexander in the 4th quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 21 / 100 Chargers Dontrelle Inman drops a pass right to him in the 3rd quarter against the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 22 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers reacts to the Chiefs challenging and winning a play in the 4th quarter that resulted in a fourth down. (K.C. Alfred) 23 / 100 Chargers Mike McCoy, center, and staff look on during the 4th quarter of a 33-3 loss to the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 24 / 100 Chargers defense was unable to stop this 52-yard rush by Chiefs Spencer Ware in the 2nd half at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 25 / 100 Chargers Javontee Herndon can’t believe his fumble on a punt return in the 2nd half against the Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 26 / 100 Chargers escapes the defense of the Chiefs in the 2nd half at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 27 / 100 Chiefs Justin Houston celebrates in the end zone his interception turned in for a touchdown against Philip Rivers in the 2nd half at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 28 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers gets the pass off in time against the Chiefs in the 2nd half at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 29 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers gets sacked against the Chiefs with a loss of 13-yards in the 2nd half at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 30 / 100 Pass complete to Chiefs Travis Kelce for a gain of 7-yards in the 3rd quarter with Chargers Jahleel Addae defending. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 31 / 100 In the half against the The Kansas City Chiefs, the Chargers hold the Chiefs Charcandrick West from scoring. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 32 / 100 During the half time between the Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, LaDainian Tomlinson gave a heartfelt thank you to the fans for their support during his NFL football career as a Charger. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 33 / 100 During the half time between the Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, LaDainian Tomlinson jersey number was officially retired by the team. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 34 / 100 During the half time ceremony between the Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, LaDainian Tomlinson is hugged by his wife LaTorsha Oakley. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 35 / 100 During the half time Chargers Hall of Fame ceremony at Qualcomm Stadium San Diego, LaDainian Tomlinson holds his Chargers Hall of Fame award. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 36 / 100 Chargers Melvin Gordon rushes for the first down against the Chief in the 1st half at Qualcomm Stadium. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 37 / 100 In the half against the The Kansas City Chiefs, the Chargers hold the Chiefs Charcandrick West from scoring. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 38 / 100 Charger Girls perform for fans at Qualcomm Stadium during the games against the Kansas City Chiefs. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 39 / 100 Charger Girls perform for fans at Qualcomm Stadium during the games against the Kansas City Chiefs. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 40 / 100 LaDainian Tomlinson walks arond Qualcomm Stadium before the start of the Chargers game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 41 / 100 Chris Farrell cheers on the Chargers as they walk onto the field at Qualcomm Stadium before the start of game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 42 / 100 Chargers head coach Mike McCoy at Qualcomm Stadium before the start of game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 43 / 100 Pass complete to Chargers Stevie Johnson for a gain of 13-yards against the chief at Qualcomm Stadium. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 44 / 100 Chiefs Alex Smith throws agains the Chargers in the 2nd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 45 / 100 Chargers Tyrell Williams can’t make a catch in bounds as Chiefs Husain Abdullah defends in the 2nd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 46 / 100 Chargers Melvin Gordon runs the ball in the 2nd quarter against the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 47 / 100 Chargers Josh Lambo celebrates the team’s only points of the game on a 2nd quarter field goal. (K.C. Alfred) 48 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers scrambles in the 2nd quarter against the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 49 / 100 Chargers Ladarius Green can’t make a catch in the 2nd quarter as Chiefs Josh Mauga defends. (K.C. Alfred) 50 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers is sacked in the 1st quarter by Chiefs Josh Mauga. (K.C. Alfred) 51 / 100 Chiefs Dontari Poe (92) scores a touchdown in the 1st quarter against the Chargers. (K.C. Alfred) 52 / 100 Chiefs Jeremy Maclin is tackled by Chargers Jason Verrett, Manti Te’o, and Brandon Flowers (24) in the 1st quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 53 / 100 The Chargers painted #21 on the field to honor former runningback LaDainian Tomlinson, who had his number retired. (K.C. Alfred) 54 / 100 Chiefs Alex Smith throws and is hit by Chargers Denzel Perryman in the 1st quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 55 / 100 A Chargers fan stood up showing support for LaDainian Tomlinson at Qualcomm Stadium during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 56 / 100 Lots of Chargers fans wore LaDainian Tomlinson jerseys on the day his number was retired. (K.C. Alfred) 57 / 100 Former Chargers Lorenzo Neal and LaDainian Tomlinson take the field as LT’s #21 was retired. (K.C. Alfred) 58 / 100 Chargers Manti Te’o is introduced against the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 59 / 100 Chargers Josh Lambo kicks off against the Chiefs in the 2nd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 60 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers runs out of bounds as Chiefs Jaye Howard tries to defend in the 2nd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 61 / 100 A Chargers fan stood up showing support for LaDainian Tomlinson at Qualcomm Stadium during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 62 / 100 Chargers Melvin Gordon rushes for the first down against the Chief in the 1st half at Qualcomm Stadium. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 63 / 100 LaDainian Tomlinson walks into Qualcomm Stadium just before the start the half against Kansas City Chiefs. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 64 / 100 LaDainian Tomlinson waits with his family for the Chargers Hall of Fame ceremony at Qualcomm Stadium. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 65 / 100 During the half time between the Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, LaDainian Tomlinson gave a heartfelt thank you to the fans for their support during his NFL football career as a Charger. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 66 / 100 The Charger Girls perform during the Chiefs game. (K.C. Alfred) 67 / 100 The Chargers played the Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. (K.C. Alfred) 68 / 100 The Chargers take the field before the Chiefs game. (K.C. Alfred) 69 / 100 The Charger Girls perform during the Chiefs game. (K.C. Alfred) 70 / 100 Chargers fans showing support for the Chargers against the Kansas City Chiefs. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 71 / 100 Philip Rivers heads for the fields to take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. (Nelvin C. Cepeda) 72 / 100 Chargers Antonio Gates takes the field against the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. (K.C. Alfred) 73 / 100 Military members carry flags into Arrowhead Stadium for the start of the Chargers-Chiefs game. (K.C. Alfred) 74 / 100 Chiefs Alex Smith is introduced against the Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. (K.C. Alfred) 75 / 100 Chargers Denzel Perryman hits Chiefs Charcandrick West in the 1st quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 76 / 100 Chargers King Dunlap was injured against the Chiefs in the 1st quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 77 / 100 Chargers Melvin Gordon is stopped by Chiefs Tamba Hali in the 1st quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 78 / 100 A Chargers fan can’t stand to watch during the 4th quarter againt the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 79 / 100 Chiefs Alex Smith is introduced against the Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. (K.C. Alfred) 80 / 100 Fans braved a steady rain at Arrowhead Stadium for the Chargers-Chiefs game. (K.C. Alfred) 81 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers calls out a play to lineman Kenny Wiggins, Trevor Robinson, center, and Orlando Franklin against the Chiefs. (K.C. Alfred) 82 / 100 Chiefs Alex Smith drops back to pass against the Chargers in the 3rd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 83 / 100 Chiefs cheerleaders perform during the Chargers game at Arrowhead Stadium. (K.C. Alfred) 84 / 100 Fans brave a steady rain during the Chargers-Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium. (K.C. Alfred) 85 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers throws against the Chiefs in the 2nd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 86 / 100 Chiefs Derrick Johnson intercepts a pass intended for Chargers Malcom Floyd in the 2nd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 87 / 100 Chiefs Derrick Johnson intercepts a pass intended for Chargers Malcom Floyd in the 2nd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 88 / 100 Chargers catches a pass for a first down against the Chiefs in the 2nd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 89 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers walks off the field after not converting a 3rd down play against the Chiefs in the 1st quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 90 / 100 Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith lines up against the Chargers in the 1st quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 91 / 100 Chargers Jerry Attouch sacks Chiefs Alex Smith in the 3rd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 92 / 100 Chargers Malcom Floyd drops a pass in front of Chiefs Marcus Peters in the 4th quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 93 / 100 Chargers Malcom Floyd drops a pass in front of Chiefs Marcus Peters in the 4th quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 94 / 100 Chargers fans lookn on during a 10-3 loss to the Chiefs in the 4th quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 95 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers is hit by Chiefs Dee Ford in the 3rd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 96 / 100 Chargers Melvin Gordon runs the ball against the Chiefs in the 3rd quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 97 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers catches his breath after getting sacked by Chiefs Rakeem Nunez-Roches in the 4th quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 98 / 100 Chargers Philip Rivers is helped up by Chris Hairston after getting sacked by Chiefs Dee Ford in the 4th quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 99 / 100 Chargers coach Mike McCoy walks the sidelines against the Chiefs in the 4th quarter. (K.C. Alfred) 100 / 100 Chargers fans brave the rain before the Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium. (K.C. Alfred)

Folks inside Chargers Park have argued it meant something McCoy hadn’t lost the team. I’d agree. It just doesn’t mean enough.

What he has lost is six games in a row.

Rather, his team has. I mean, it wasn’t McCoy out there dropping easy passes and missing tackles and not making impact plays on defense.


But he’s the one talking week after week about how good the preparation was. He is the one OK’ing a game plan this week that was stupid with Melvin Gordon. McCoy is the one acknowledging he is blindsided by horrible performances.

And about that locker room. I don’t know if it’s true anymore that players are still engaged with the coaching staff’s message. I’m hearing rumblings. I didn’t say they have quit, but my inkling is that veterans won’t be going upstairs to plead McCoy’s case as some did for Norv Turner in 2011.

McCoy even told his players after the game that each of them needed to watch the film and assess their individual effort. He also said in response to a postgame press conference question about whether the players have quit that he had to watch the film.

Really, though, we’re past any of the semantics really mattering.


This whole operation is so abysmal it almost seems overkill to point out the Chargers had two weeks to prepare for Sunday’s game.

But … really … this is what happened coming off a bye?

McCoy declining to call a timeout with almost two minutes remaining in the second quarter and the Chiefs facing third-and-six from their 18-yard line was due to his doubting his defense could make the stop and not wanting to give Kansas City the extra time. He was right.

Regardless, the decision wouldn’t have affected the outcome. Was a Chargers offense that has scored 15 points in the past eight quarters going to capitalize even if given the chance?


Nothing McCoy did Sunday probably would have averted a loss. We’re not judging him for this JV team as it is currently comprised.

But something Chiefs coach Andy Reid called for in the first quarter showed what is possible.

On fourth down from the 1-yard line, with their running back having fallen short of the end zone on third down, the Chiefs called on nose tackle Dontari Poe to dive across the goal line.

Creative and aggressive. Imagine.


When told of this column’s topic, McCoy said he understood but repeated several times, “I’m going to keep fighting my (rear end) off.”

In his next job, McCoy could end up being Bill Belichick. Who knows? Before winning the first of his four Super Bowl rings, Belichick was 40-55 his first six seasons in the NFL.

McCoy is now 20-22 in two-plus seasons. There is almost no chance he leaves San Diego with a winning record. Hopefully, for his sake, he will take to heart some lessons learned in this gig.

He likely won’t admit it, even if it happens.


He’ll continue to recite clichés.

One he often utters and did Sunday was, “It all starts with coaching. … We’ve got to look at what we need to change.”

Agreed.