COSTA MESA, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers have retained defensive co-ordinator Gus Bradley and offensive co-ordinator Ken Whisenhunt.

The Chargers announced the return of head coach Anthony Lynn's top two assistants Tuesday.

Continuity on the coaching staff was a major off-season goal for Lynn and general manager Tom Telesco after the Chargers (9-7) barely missed the playoffs in their relocation season. Los Angeles won nine of its final 12 games, including five straight at StubHub Center.

Bradley was a hot commodity in the off-season coaching market after putting together one of the NFL's top defences in his first season with the Chargers. Their 17 points allowed per game was third-best in the league, and they ranked among the leaders with 43 sacks and 18 interceptions.

The former Jacksonville head coach joined Los Angeles on a one-year contract last winter.

Whisenhunt's powerful offence ranked fourth in the NFL with 376.6 yards per game, with quarterback Philip Rivers enjoying a resurgent 4,515-yard season alongside 1,393-yard receiver Keenan Allen and 1,105-yard rusher Melvin Gordon.

Whisenhunt, the former Arizona and Tennessee head coach, rejoined the Chargers in 2016, one year before Lynn became their head coach.

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