Former San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano is apparently looking to stick it to his old squad. According to Fox 5 in Southern California, Pagano has joined the Oakland Raiders’ staff as the team’s assistant head coach under Jack Del Rio.
If this seems a bit interesting, that’s because it is.
Pagano was fired by the now Los Angeles Chargers following the season, a decision he apparently found at about through the media (more on that here).
Pagano had been with the Chargers since he made his way to the NFL as the team’s defensive quality coach back in 2002. He worked his way up to defensive coordinator, a title he held form 2012-16.
It’s not yet known what specific role Pagano will take with the Raiders, but his history as a linebackers coach will surely come into play here. He should also put some heat on current defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., who was on the hot seat before Oakland decided to retain him.