The Chargers announced Monday that they?ve hired veteran NFL defensive strategist Ted Cottrell to be the team?s defensive coordinator. ?Ted is one of the NFL?s most respected defensive minds,? said Head Coach Norv Turner. ?And his experience and success with the 3-4 defense will help us maintain continuity on that side of the ball and grow and get better.? A veteran of 22 seasons as an NFL coach, Cottrell is a proven teacher and leader of winning defenses. His background includes a strong foundation in the 3-4 attacking-style defense that helped the Chargers lead the NFL in sacks in 2006. Since becoming a coordinator in 1998, Cottrell has had seven players record seasons of at least 10 sacks. ?I?m looking forward to working with such a young and talented group of athletes,? said Cottrell. ?I enjoy coaching the 3-4, particularly if you have athletes like those here in San Diego. I look forward to helping these players be the best they can be.?