In a job field known for its high rate of turnover, John Pagano was the outlier.
For 15 seasons, Pagano was part of the Chargers’ organization, working his way up from a quality-control coach to a linebackers coach to their defensive coordinator — until January, when averages and a coaching change above him led to Pagano being fired.
“I had the person that I wanted,” Anthony Lynn, the Chargers’ first-year head coach, recalled last week. “Whatever team I landed with, Gus Bradley was my defensive coordinator. Nothing against John at all. I mean, great reputation.”
Pagano’s momentary instability, it turned out, would become the Raiders’ gain.