Los Angeles Chargers block Giants’ request to interview ST coach

The Los Angeles Chargers have reportedly blocked the New York Giants’ request to interview special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken for their special teams coordinator vacancy.

The #Chargers blocked the #Giants’ request to interview special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken, sources say. So while LAC works toward finding its next head coach, they clearly still hope Ficken is a part of the next coaching staff.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 11, 2024

The Giants fired longtime coordinator Thomas McGaughey on Monday and are in the market for a new one.

The Chargers are in the process of hiring a new head coach but still have many of ex-coach Brandon Staley’s assistants under contract.

Too bad, because Ficken would have been a nice get. From the Chargers’ website:

Ficken coordinated a special teams unit that led the NFL by allowing just 3.1 yards per punt return, which was the best average allowed by any Chargers team in 50 years. He also oversaw the AFC’s top kicking unit, making 31-of-33 field goals (93.9 pct.) despite deploying three different kickers on the year due to injury. The team’s 93.9 field goal percentage ranked No. 2 in the NFL in 2022 and led the AFC. Under Ficken’s tutelage, the unit ranked 10th in the NFL by Pro Football Focus and No. 7 according to Rick Gosselin.

The Giants will continue their search for both a new special teams coordinator and a defensive coordinator.