National Football League

Joiner retires after 44 years in NFL

Published Jan. 22, 2013 11:47 p.m. ET

foxsports

Hall of Famer Charlie Joiner has retired from his job as wide receivers coach for the San Diego Chargers.

Joiner spent 44 years in the NFL as a player and coach, including 21 with the Chargers. Now 65, he says it's ''definitely a young man's game.''

Joiner played with the Chargers from 1976 to 1986 and was the team leader with 586 catches until Antonio Gates broke the record in 2011. He also played with the Houston Oilers from 1969-72 and Cincinnati Bengals from 1972-75.

New coach Mike McCoy hired Fred Graves to replace Joiner. McCoy also hired Kevin Spencer to coach special teams and Joe D'Alessandris to coach the offensive line. Tuesday's moves came a day after Frank Reich was hired to coach the quarterbacks.