IN Brief : Chargers’ Coach Search Nears End

The protracted search for a new San Diego Chargers head coach apparently is almost over, with speculation focusing on Washington assistant Dan Henning as the replacement for the fired Al Saunders.

Despite a published report that Henning, a former Atlanta head coach, has the job all but locked up, Chargers Director of Football Operations Steve Ortmayer insists that no leading candidate has emerged.

“We haven’t offered the job to anyone,” Ortmayer said. “We have a couple or three possible scenarios we are digesting and will refine.”

Henning, a receivers coach for Washington, declined comment about the Chargers opening when approached Tuesday by reporters at Redskins Park.

Mike White, a former college head coach at Illinois and California, also is believed to be in the running. White spent last year working for an Orange County scouting service.

The third candidate still believed to be under consideration is Chargers special teams coach Ron Sevier.

Among San Diego’s assistant coaches, defensive coordinator Ron Lynn was considered to have the best shot at the head job.