Giff Smith, who served as the Los Angeles Chargers interim coach for the final three games, and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore became the first candidates to interview for the head coaching position. Under the new interview process approved by owners in October, any internal candidates or someone not currently employed by the NFL can interview in person. Smith lost all three games as the interim after Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco were fired on Dec. 15.
Before their 2023 campaign turned into a lost season, the Los Angeles Chargers gave plenty of playing time to rookies Quentin Johnston, Tuli Tuipulotu and Derius Davis. The rest of the Chargers' draft class is getting some valuable regular-season snaps as Los Angeles (5-11) concludes one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history. Offensive lineman Jordan McFadden, linebacker Daiyan Henley and defensive lineman Scott Matlock saw extended playing time during Sunday's 16-9 loss to the Denver Broncos.
The Los Angeles Chargers looked like a different team under interim coach Giff Smith, even though it was a familiar result. The Bolts' 24-22 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night was their sixth by three points or fewer this season and their league-leading 13th since 2020. The loss also eliminated the Chargers from postseason contention and dropped their record to 5-10.
Josh Allen accounted for three touchdowns, Tyler Bass made a 29-yard field goal with 28 seconds remaining, and the Buffalo Bills escaped with a 24-22 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday night to improve their playoff chances. Allen ran for two TDs and threw for one, becoming the first player in NFL history with four consecutive seasons with 40 combined touchdowns. Bass' go-ahead kick capped a 13-play, 64-yard drive that included Allen's 15-yard completion to Khalil Shakir on third down.