Chargers News: How Bolts Players Feel About Interim Coach Giff Smith After 0-3 Run
The 2023 NFL season was one that the entire Los Angeles Chargers organization would love to forget. They were expected to be one of the better teams in the AFC, but instead finished the season 5-12.
It was a frustrating year all around for Los Angeles, and now they head into the offseason with a ton of questions. One of which will be figuring out who the new head coach will be.
But we can't forget about interim head coach Giff Smith, who led this team over the final few games. He got his opportunity, and despite the Chargers losing each game, Smith received much praise from his players.
"Giff did an awesome job stepping in when it was tough to do," Pro Bowl linebacker Khalil Mack said. "I don't know if anybody else would want to step in at that moment in the season."
Giff took over for the Chargers after former head coach Brandon Staley was let go following a Week 15 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The team was already out of the playoff picture, but it was his task to keep them together for the final few games.
Linebacker Eric Kendricks spoke on the job that Smith did, showing the respect he had in the locker room.
"He did a great job and he's a good leader of men," Kendricks said. "He got us all to band together."
The players badly wanted to get Smith a win, but it didn't work out in that manner. It was a chance that he had been wanting, and now he can always say he was a head coach in the NFL.
"Being grateful. I've been very blessed in my life," Smith said. "This was a great opportunity to give back to these young men, so I'm extremely grateful for that."
Smith got his opportunity, even if it didn't end in the way he wanted. But the Chargers are thankful for him, and only time will tell what his future holds.
