Ross Back Trying to Fill Defense Job

Charger Coach Bobby Ross, who extended an offer to Rod Rust to become the team’s defensive coordinator, has advised the former New England Patriot head coach that he has renewed his search to fill the position.

Ross also said he has offered John Fox, a former San Diego State defensive back (1975-1977), the position of secondary coach. Fox, who has coached the defensive backs for the Steelers since 1989, has been given 24 hours to accept Ross’ offer.

Ross said he does not expect Rust to accept the Chargers’ offer. Ross left San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium on Wednesday afternoon to meet privately with an unidentified candidate for the defensive coordinator post.

General Manager Bobby Beathard said, “This is someone special, but he doesn’t want it out that we’re talking until he sees what’s going on.”

Ross hoped to hire Rust, who had worked with him in Kansas City (1978-1981), but he said he has been led to believe that Rust, who is New England’s coordinator of pro scouting, has decided to pursue other opportunities.

Rust interviewed recently for the vacant Pittsburgh head coaching position, and while he’s considered a longshot to replace Chuck Noll, he’s considered a prime candidate to become the Steelers’ defensive coordinator.

“He’s still on our list,” Ross said, “but I think he’s headed in a different direction, and we have to get on with things.”

Former Georgia Tech assistant coaches Ralph Friedgen and George O’Leary met with Ross Wednesday and then went house-hunting in San Diego. The two were to return to Atlanta today to talk with their families about accepting Ross’ offer to join the Chargers’ staff.

Friedgen is expected to coach the team’s running backs, and O’Leary will take either the defensive line or linebackers.

Ross also talked with former Tampa Bay assistant Dale Lindsey about the Chargers’ linebacker coaching job.

Beathard said that Ross also will talk with University of Miami defensive line coach Bob Karmelowicz. Ron Lynn, fired as Chargers’ defensive coordinator, tried to hire Karmelowicz last year but was forced to accept Chuck Clausen instead.

Lynn became the Bengals’ defensive coordinator Wednesday, and he also intends to talk with Karmelowicz. Former Charger linebacker coach Mike Haluchak joined Lynn in Cincinnati, but secondary coach Jim Mora is awaiting a call from Seattle before committing to Cincinnati.

Meanwhile, the Chargers continue to make changes. They advised Warren B. Jones, the assistant to the chairman of the board, Alex Spanos, that he will not be retained beyond the end of the month.

The club also dismissed Mike Faklis, who has been with the team the past seven seasons as an administrative coaching assistant to the head coach.