Ross and Beathard Meet: No Comment

San Diego Charger Coach Bobby Ross and General Manager Bobby Beathard met briefly Thursday, but neither gave any indication that Ross would remain. Ross refused to meet with the media, and tersely said “no comment” to reporters at Jack Murphy Stadium.

Beathard, who reportedly wants Ross to fire two key assistant coaches and has other philosophical differences with the head coach, held a news conference that lasted 37 seconds.

“Bobby and I met just for a few minutes this morning and decided to meet again [today], no specific time, probably around noon,” Beathard said. “You’re probably disappointed that we don’t have anything other than that to say, but that’s it.”

When asked what he discussed with Ross, Beathard said: “I’m not going to talk about anything. Because of some other things, we decided that [today] was better to meet than [Thursday].”

Beathard was asked if the sticking point was over the status of offensive coordinator Ralph Friedgen and defensive coordinator Dave Adolph.

“I said I’m not going to talk about it. That’s it. Thank you very much,” he said.

There has been speculation for weeks that Beathard wants Ross to fire Friedgen, who has worked under Ross for 20 years, and Adolph, who has been on the staff for two seasons.

There was also speculation the sides met to work on settling Ross’ contract, which is through 1999 at close to $1 million a year. His assistant coaches are reportedly under contract through next season.

“I think a lot of chips have to fall in place,” Ross’ agent, Jack Reale, said from his Atlanta home. “We’ll know how it will all work out by [today], certainly no later than Saturday.”

*

Jerome Bettis again sat out a Steeler practice because of a strained groin but seemed to be moving better and with less pain than Wednesday. He remains listed as questionable for Sunday’s AFC playoff game at New England.

Bettis may not fully test the injury, or a sore right ankle he injured last month, until just before game time.