Report: Bruce Arians is San Diego Chargers Top Choice For Head Coaching Vacancy

While the San Diego Chargers continue their head coaching search, it has become clear that they are either looking to land a big name coaching candidate or an offensive guru. Many fans and media members have been hoping the Chargers could make a splash by luring either Mike Holmgren or Jon Gruden to town, but it appears they have their sights set in a different direction.

According to Kevin Acee of the Union-Tribune San Diego, the belief around those close to the Chargers organization is that Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians is the team’s preference to fill their head coaching vacancy.

Acee writes:

"Several people around the league and inside Chargers Park have said Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians is a top target, and Arians is interested in the gig."

Some question whether the 60-year-old Arians has what it takes to be a leading man, but he should have erased any doubts this season in Indianapolis when he took over as the team’s interim head coach and led them to a 9-3 record in head coach Chuck Pagano’s absence.

Arians is also the man who deserves the most credit for turning Pittsburgh Steelers signal-caller Ben Roethlisberger into a top tier quarterback during his time in the Steel City.

One unfortunate circumstance that could hold up the process is Arian’s inner ear infection which forced him to be hospitalized on Sunday during the team’s Wildcard game and early Tuesday evening. The infection is not believed to be serious, but it is stopping him from being on the interview trail.

The team is also expected to kick the search in full force once they name a general manager. Current personnel director Jimmy Raye and Colts’ VP of football operations Tom Telesco are believed to be the favorites and a decision is expected as soon as Wednesday.

If Arians and the Chargers can finally get to talking, it would be a great fit for both sides and an opportunity that Arians fully deserves.