Raider Interest in Rhome Puts Charger Plans on Hold

Chargers Coach Al Saunders confirmed Saturday that he gave Raider owner Al Davis permission late last week to talk to newly hired Charger offensive coordinator Jerry Rhome about the Raiders’ head coaching vacancy.

The Chargers hired Rhome from the Washington Redskins two weeks ago.

Saunders admitted the Rhome situation puts the Chargers in a bind. “It’s not the best timing for our organization,” Saunders said.

The Chargers’ problem stems from an NFL rule that prohibits teams from requesting permission to talk with assistant coaches from other teams about vacant positions after March 1.

In other words, if the Chargers lose Rhome to the Raiders after Tuesday, they can’t ask permission to talk to other NFL assistants. Saunders said Rhome was at the top of their list when they hired him. But he said there were NFL assistants from other teams on that list. He also said he has conveyed his position on the urgency of the Rhome situation to the Raiders.

“We’d like to see it settled as soon as possible,” Saunders said. “It’s an administrative problem if it’s not settled immediately.”

But the bottom line, he said, is he won’t prevent any NFL assistant from exploring an opportunity to become a head coach.

“Most coaches aspire to be head coaches in the NFL,” Saunders said. “I think any time a guy has that opportunity you should give him the chance. We’re hopeful Jerry will remain with us.”

As late as last week, Rhome still hadn’t cleaned out his offices with the Redskins.

Before hiring on with the Chargers, Rhome served five years as quarterback coach in Washington. He worked as Seattle’s offensive coordinator from 1976-82.