Sumner Will Talk to Chargers

The shakeup of the Chargers’ coaching staff is expected to move a step nearer completion this week with the naming of a defensive coordinator and several new assistants.

Charlie Sumner, 55, a veteran of 21 NFL seasons, is thought to have the inside track on the coordinator’s role.

Sumner, the head coach of the Oakland Invaders of the USFL, would replace Dave Adolph as defensive coordinator. He is expected to be interviewed today in Stockton by team owner Alex Spanos along with assistant head coach Al Saunders.

Adolph, who took over for Tom Bass a month into the season, may remain as coordinator. It appears more likely he will be named either linebackers coach or return to the position in which he joined the team a year ago, as chief evaluator of pro personnel.

Another candidate for the defensive staff is Ron Lynn, 41, who is an assistant under Sumner on the Invaders staff.