The San Diego Chargers have replaced one Hall of Fame wide receiver with another on their coaching staff.
Charlie Joiner, the Chargers' all-time leading receiver and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has been hired to serve as the team's wide receivers coach. This is Joiner's second stint on the Chargers' coaching staff. He also coached wide receivers from 1987-91.
Joiner replaces Hall of Famer James Lofton, who was fired Tuesday after six seasons. Lofton had one year remaining on his contract.
"Charlie brings to our staff 21 years of NFL coaching experience, 18 years of Hall of Fame playing experience and, maybe most important, vast experience with our offensive system," said Chargers coach Norv Turner. "That combination is rare, and we're fortunate that Charlie was available."
Joiner played 11 seasons in San Diego (1976-86) and finished his career as the team's all-time leader with 586 career catches.
Immediately after his retirement, Joiner was named the Chargers' wide receivers coach. He served in the same capacity with the Buffalo Bills from 1992-2000. His most recent coaching stop was with the Kansas City Chiefs, spending seven seasons (2001-07) as their wide receivers coach before being fired by Herm Edwards three weeks ago.
