San Diego Chargers Defensive Coordinator John Pagano to Remain with Team

Now, there is no doubt that John Pagano will remain the defensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers, according to Chargers.com.

The announcement came Friday after head coach Mike McCoy made the decision to keep Pagano as part of his coaching staff.

There had been some speculation as to what might happen to the man credited with turning the Chargers' atrocious defense around.

His status with the team remained uncertain while the Chargers were looking for a new head coach.

A report from ESPN.com even confirmed that.

"

He is under contract with the San Diego Chargers, and there is a chance he will be kept as defensive coordinator. However, the Chargers’ coaching search is still full swing, so Pagano must wait.

"

 Former Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt was added as the team's offensive coordinator on Thursday, yet the decisions on the other coaching staff positions still remained.

Pagano resurrected a defense that ranked 20th in passing defense, 20th in rushing defense and 16th in total defense in 2011.

The Chargers ranked 18th in passing defense, sixth in rushing defense and ninth in total defense in 2012.

A vast improvement.

The Chargers gave up an average of 326 yards per game in 2012. That is 20 yards less than what they allowed in 2011.

It is safe to say that John Pagano knows what he is doing.

Granted, the passing defense could use some help, but I attribute that to a weak pass rush and an aging Quentin Jammer.

Jammer looks to have lost a step or two in the past couple of seasons.

With some improvements in defensive player personnel, I firmly believe that John Pagano's defense will be one to reckon with in seasons to come.

On a side note, the Chargers also retained linebackers coach Joe Barry, assistant linebackers coach Greg Williams and defensive line coach Don Johnson according to Chargers.com.