Clausen to Coach Chargers’ Linemen

Chuck Clausen, a 14-year NFL assistant, was hired by the Chargers to coach the defensive line. Clausen, 50, coached the linebackers with the Atlanta Falcons under Chargers’ head Coach Dan Henning in 1988.

“Chuck will be an outstanding addition to our staff,” Henning said. “He’s worked in top-flight college programs, under top-flight coaches. He’s coached the defensive line in the Super Bowl (with the 1980 Philadelphia Eagles). He worked with (Chargers offensive line coach) Alex Gibbs at Ohio State, which will make for a compatible transition, and he’s worked for me before.

“He fits all the criteria we determined before we started our search.”

Before joining Atlanta, Clausen spent 10 seasons with the Eagles (1976-84) as defensive line coach, then took over linebackers in 1985. He entered private business in 1990. In all, Clausen has 28 years of coaching experience. He has worked under Woody Hayes at Ohio State (1971-75) and under Lou Holtz at William & Mary (1969-70).