Chargers’ Ross Loses Philosophy Debate
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SAN DIEGO — Bobby Ross found out that the other Bobby is the real boss of the San Diego Chargers.
Two years after coaching the Chargers to their only Super Bowl appearance, Ross resigned Friday, unable to settle his philosophical differences with General Manager Bobby Beathard. The assistants also resigned.
The Chargers, 8-8 this season, never had a losing season under Ross. The popular coach leaves with a five-year record of 47-33, plus a 3-3 mark in three playoff appearances.
Ross took no questions during a news conference, choosing to read from a statement.
“I did not want this to come about, but it was apparent at the onset of our end-of-the-season discussions that Bobby Beathard felt that our philosophical differences could not be overcome,” said Ross, who at times sounded angry. “I was surprised by that, but as time continued it appeared that was the case.”
The differences between Ross and Beathard apparently included Beathard’s displeasure with offensive coordinator Ralph Friedgen and defensive coordinator Dave Adolph, and the way the coaching staff was using young players.
Ross is extremely loyal to his assistants, having fired only one in 20 years. Friedgen has been with Ross throughout those 20 years.
Neither Ross nor Beathard would be specific about their disagreements. Nor would club President Dean Spanos.
“It’s a difficult and delicate thing to explain,” said Spanos, son of owner Alex Spanos, who added that he and his father have “the utmost respect” for Ross and his staff. But, he said, “Bobby Beathard is our guy and will be our guy in the future.”
Ross and the Chargers reached financial settlement of his contract, which was to pay him about $1 million a year through the 1999 season.
The Atlanta Falcons planned to put Ross on their short list as soon as he severed ties with the Chargers. Dan Reeves also is on that list to replace June Jones. Ross revived the Georgia Tech program before he was hired by the Chargers Jan. 2, 1992.
Former UCLA coach Terry Donahue is expected to be among the candidates to replace Ross, although Beathard said he is looking for a coach with NFL experience.
Donahue, who retired at UCLA a year ago after 20 seasons as the Bruin coach, is a longtime friend of Beathard and has said that, if he were to return to coaching, it would probably be in the NFL.
“I would want to be with a team that could be successful,” Donahue said Wednesday in Tempe, Ariz., where he was part of the CBS announcing team for the Fiesta Bowl.
Ross had been coach of the Chargers for five years and a day.
“This guy’s a great coach,” Beathard said. “I’m certain with a coach like Bobby, he won’t have a problem landing on his feet with a good NFL team.”
As he left Jack Murphy Stadium, Ross, 60, an Army lieutenant during the Berlin blockade, said: “I’ve been through tougher things than this. I think I’ll survive.”
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Ross’ Record
COLLEGE
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Year School W L T Pct. 1973-77 Citadel 24 31 0 .436 1982-86 Maryland 39 19 1 .669 1987-91 Ga. Tech 31 26 1 .543 Totals 94 76 2 .552
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NFL Regular Season
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Year Team W L Pct. 1992 San Diego 11 5 .688 1993 San Diego 8 8 .500 1994 San Diego 11 5 .688 1995 San Diego 9 7 .563 1996 San Diego 8 8 .500 Totals 47 33 .588
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Times staff writer Jim Hodges contributed to this story.