Chargers Daily Links: Former Bolts DL coach Wayne Nunnely dies at 68

The Chargers are mourning another former coach who passed away earlier this week in longtime defensive line coach Wayne Nunnely, the University of Las Vegas-Nevada announced in a statement. Nunnely was 68.

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of former head coach Wayne Nunnely,” UNLV Director of Athletics Desiree Reed-Francois said. “He was a role model as our only football alumnus to later become head coach and was truly blessed to have touched so many lives while teaching the sport he loved for nearly four decades.”

Nunnely was hired by Kevin Gilbride in 1997 to coach the San Diego Chargers’ defensive line and managed to survive five different head-coaching changes. From June Jones and Mike Riley, to the late, great Marty Schottenheimer and Norv Turner, Nunnely endured the turmoil all while managing one of the best defensive units in football.

In the graphic below published by the Chargers on Thursday, former nose tackle Jamaal Williams — who played his entire career with the Bolts under Nunnely — shared a heartfelt message about his former coach and mentor.

Joining Williams among the list of notable players coached and developed by Nunnely are pass rushers Shaun Phillips and Shawne Merriman, as well as Luis Castillo and Marcellus Wiley.

The Los Angeles native retired from coaching in 2011 following three years at the Denver Broncos.

Now for today’s links.

Chargers News:

Ranking the Chargers offseason needs (Chargers Wire)

The five greatest 13th-overall picks in NFL history (Bolt Beat)

Luke Easterling joins Chris Hayre on Chargers Weekly (Chargers.com)

Vincent Jackon’s brain was donated to CTE research (Bleacher Report)

NFL News:

The Eagles traded Carson Wentz to the Colts on Thursday (ESPN)

Todd McShay’s updated prospect rankings (ESPN+)

Notable NFC players who could be cut this offseason (NFL.com)

The Falcons released Ricardo Allen and Allen Bailey (NFL.com)

The 49ers may be forced to retain Dee Ford due to his injury guarantee (Pro Football Talk)

Wentz trade winners and losers (Bleacher Report)