Chargers Gave Rhome OK to Talk With Davis

Coach Al Saunders of the San Diego Chargers confirmed Saturday that he gave Raider owner Al Davis permission late last week to talk with newly hired Charger offensive coordinator Jerry Rhome about the Raiders’ head coaching vacancy. The Chargers hired Rhome away from the Washington Redskins just two weeks ago.

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

The Chargers’ problem stems from a National Football League rule that prohibits teams from requesting permission to talk with assistant coaches about jobs as assistant coaches on other teams after March 1.

“We’d like to see it settled as soon as possible,” Saunders said.

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