Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers fire special teams coach Spencer

Published Dec. 3, 2015 12:04 p.m. ET

foxsports

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The San Diego Chargers fired special teams coordinator Kevin Spencer on Wednesday, with five games left in a miserable season.

Spencer was fired three days after Jacksonville used an 11-man rush to block a punt by Mike Scifres with 1:30 to go, leading to a touchdown that pulled the Jaguars to 31-25. San Diego (3-8) held on to end its six-game losing streak.

The Chargers went into that game with 1 net yard in punt returns. Javontee Herndon, who muffed a punt in a 33-3 loss to Kansas City a week earlier, had 33 yards on two returns against the Jaguars.

The Chargers announced Spencer's firing in a release more than two hours after coach Mike McCoy held his usual news conference.

General manager Tom Telesco didn't return an email seeking comment. Spencer couldn't be reached for comment.

On Nov. 3, the Chargers released Jacoby Jones after he returned five punts for minus-4 yards.

Two days earlier, Jones made a critical mistake when he didn't attempt a fair catch on a punt against Baltimore, letting the ball roll from about the 20-yard line to the 3. The Chargers were forced to punt and the Ravens, starting on San Diego's 38, went in to score for a 26-23 lead with 4:34 left. The Ravens won 29-26.

Also Wednesday, quarterback Philip Rivers was listed on the participation report as having a foot injury. The team said he was a full participant in practice.

The Chargers host the Denver Broncos (9-2) on Sunday.