Eric Weddle thinks Chargers coach Mike McCoy will return

SAN DIEGO - It's clear free safety Eric Weddle won't be back next season as the Chargers have declined to negotiate with him regarding an extension.

Weddle does think embattled coach Mike McCoy would return.

"We don't really think about it like that; we think he'll be here," Weddle said. "We're just trying to do the best we can to salvage the season. And it helped winning last week. Guys came in here more upbeat, more confident.

"We came in here and watched the film, saw a lot of good things and a lot of bad things - a lot of things we can correct. But we're moving in the right direction. We all know if we lose and have a bad season, it's not just the coaches - players are gone, too.

"The older guys know that, and I think the younger guys are starting to understand that you're not here every year. You have to play good, and you have to win."

McCoy is aware of the chatter about his job status as speculation kicked up as this season quickly unraveled for the Chargers.

McCoy was asked if Sunday's win would help his cause in returning next year, his fourth year of a four-year contract. "I'm taking this job one day at a time like I do every day," he said. "I just keep plugging away every day, putting great plans in, week in and week out."

--Quarterback Philip Rivers became the fourth-fastest player to reach 40,000 passing yards, doing so on Sunday in his 159th career game. And with four touchdown passes, he tied Vinny Testaverde for 11th all-time with 275 touchdowns, passing Joe Montana along the way on Sunday.

"A lot of people have had a hand in those 40,000 yards," Rivers said. "I'm grateful I've been out there for 155 (starts) in a row playing with my teammates. I'm thankful more than anything."

But others wanted to talk about was Rivers' 8-yard run on a fourth-and-six situation at the Jacksonville 38-yard line. Rivers, who is far from fast, went around the right side and made a dive for the sticks before landing out of bounds. "Obviously, his run was the most special part of the game - that fourth-down run," tight end Antonio Gates said. "It says a lot about him and his competitive nature, and that's why he is our leader."

--Rookie inside linebacker Denzel Perryman got his second NFL start and didn't disappoint. He had a team-high nine tackles and many came with a dose of nasty. "We're very pleased in the way he played and the progress he has been making," coach Mike McCoy said.

Perryman's emergence has bumped Donald Butler from the starting lineup. The Chargers are hoping Perryman and Manti Te'o are their long-term answers at the inside linebacker spot.

NOTES: Punt returner Javontee Herndon had 33 return yards, which gave the Chargers 34 punt-return yards on the season. ... Outside linebacker Melvin Ingram had 2 1/2 sacks in his last three games and the Chargers were hoping the player they are counting on to spearhead the pass rush was emerging. Then came Sunday, in which he had zero sacks and zero tackles despite playing most of the game. ... Defensive tackle Sean Lissemore didn't practice all week because of a concussion but he was able to go on Sunday. Lissemore had an assist on a tackle. ... Defensive end Corey Liuget didn't work in the days leading up to Sunday's game and the feeling was he probably wouldn't go with his foot injury. He played, but he was compromised and didn't make a tackle. His practice time will likely be limited this week. ... Right guard D.J. Fluker (concussion) missed Sunday's game and has yet to be cleared. ... Free safety Eric Weddle (groin) aggravated his injury on Sunday and will have his practice time compromised. ... Left tackle King Dunlap (ankle) didn't play on Sunday and could be down another week.