Houston defensive coordinator Doug Belk is among the candidates interviewed for the Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator vacancy, according to a report Wednesday from NFL Network.
The spot became open when coordinator Renaldo Hill left to become the pass game coordinator for under new Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio -- a rare move in the NFL.
The good news for Houston, and the bad news for Belk, is that he seems unlikely to get the position.
NFL Network initially reported on Monday that Chargers head coach Brandon Staley would promote secondary coach Derrick Ansley to defensive coordinator, but the post is subject to the NFL's Rooney Rule, which requires an outside interview for the position.
In addition to Belk, Patriots defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington has also interviewed for the position.
Belk, 35, has been on Dana Holgorsen's staff since 2017. An Alabama GA at the time -- where, incidentally, he worked alongside Alabama DBs coach Derrick Ansley -- Belk earned his first full-time role at the FBS level in 2017 when he became West Virginia's cornerbacks coach.
Belk followed Holgorsen to Houston in 2019 as co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach. He was promoted to assistant head coach in 2020 and to the Cougars' sole defensive coordinator in 2021.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.
For their vacant defensive coordinator position, the #Chargers have interviewed #Patriots DL coach DeMarcus Covington and University of Houston defensive coordinator Doug Belk, sources say. Covington also interviewed with the #AZCardinals.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 22, 2023