One and done

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Chargers fired defensive co-ordinator Greg Manusky on Thursday after just one year on the job.

The move came four days after the Chargers finished 8-8 and out of the playoffs for the second straight year.

Manusky, a former NFL linebacker, was hired last off-season to replace Ron Rivera, who left to become head coach of the Carolina Panthers.

Coach Norv Turner defended Manusky in recent days. The Chargers had few impact players on defence but their playoff hopes ended when they were routed by Detroit on Christmas Eve.

Two days later, Turner said the Chargers didn't match up well against wide-open, spread offences such as those run by Detroit and Green Bay.

Turner and general manager A.J. Smith were notified Tuesday that they will return next season.