Chargers’ Arnsparger Retires

San Diego Charger defensive coordinator Bill Arnsparger, 68, said Wednesday he is retiring after 23 pro seasons.

“It’s difficult to walk away from something that’s been so much a part of your life for a long time,” Arnsparger said. “There’s a time for everything. I felt like this was the time for me to step down.”

Arnsparger’s retirement comes three days after the Chargers were routed, 49-26, by the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl.

He said that game didn’t affect his decision.

San Diego Coach Bobby Ross planned to talk with assistants Willie Shaw (defensive backs) and Dale Lindsey (linebackers) about replacing Arnsparger. The two are the only candidates and he does not have a deadline for filling the position, Ross said.

Arnsparger began his NFL career with the Baltimore Colts in 1964. He left in 1970 to rejoin Miami’s Don Shula, who had hired Arnsparger in Baltimore.

Hockey

The Kings sent goaltender Pauli Jaks and forward Gary Shuchuk to their International Hockey League affiliate in Phoenix. Goaltender Kelly Hrudey, out for four games because of a bruised right kneecap, has resumed practicing and is expected to play Saturday against Detroit.

Wayne Gretzky, suffering from flu, has not practiced this week. Defensemen Michel Petit and Rob Blake are both hampered by groin injuries. Blake, who hasn’t played since Saturday, is questionable for this weekend’s games.

Names in the News

Toni Nieminen of Finland, the former whiz kid of ski jumping, suddenly regained his form and won a World Cup event at Kuopio, Finland. Nieminen rose from seventh after the first round to win with 248.5 points after jumps of 90.5 and 95 meters.