Dealbreaker

Word in the NFL is that the San Diego Chargers effectively ruined their own chances of landing Pete Carroll when GM A.J. Smith insisted on hiring Ted Cottrell as defensive coordinator. Cottrell, a former defensive coordinator with Minnesota and Buffalo, is close to Smith and was always going to be hired.
That meant any coaching candidate would need to accept outsiders on his coaching staff and everyone knows Carroll prefers complete control, something he spoke to the Miami Dolphins about last month.