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Ken Whisenhunt hired as offensive coordinator for the Chargers

Former Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt will be calling plays for the San Diego Chargers in 2013.

USA TODAY Sports

Now that the dust has settled a little bit and Cardinals nation is either rejoicing or throwing a fit, there is one piece of news that may have slipped through the cracks for some. Former Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt didn't stay unemployed for too long.

The San Diego Chargers, now under the direction of Mike McCoy, former Broncos offensive coordinator and target of the Cardinals, decided to bring Whisenhunt aboard as the team's offensive coordinator. With that, he will be the guy calling the plays, according to McCoy.

Whisenhunt will now get to work with Philip Rivers, a quarterback that was considered a top tier player just two or three seasons ago. Under Norv Turner, he started to fall a bit under the radar. Whisenhunt's main task will be building him back up.

I see the two being a fit, but I could also see them clashing a bit. Rivers is a certified drama queen and Whiz is a no nonsense kind of guy. If Rivers starts acting up, don't expect Whisenhunt to stand by and listen to it.

This affects the Cardinals in more than it being their former coach heading to a new team. Whatever Whisenhunt's salary is as a coordinator --which figures to be less than he would have made as a head coach-- that amount will be deducted from the $5.5 million the Cards owe him for the final year of his contract.

That frees up more money for the Cardinals to spend on top notch assistants for new head coach Bruce Arians. While Todd Bowles may be the guy they are gunning for to replace Ray Horton as defensive coordinator, they still have an entire offensive staff to fill after retaining only tight ends coach, Freddie Kitchens.

So congratulations to Whisenhunt on the new job. I always liked him and am glad he could find an opportunity elsewhere. Oh, and thanks for helping the Cards out in the meantime.

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