The Chargers parted ways with offensive coordinator Frank Reich, offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris, wide receivers coach Fred Graves, tight ends coach Peter Metzelaars and assistant offensive line coach Andrew Dees. Defensive line coach Don Johnson also will not return for the 2016 season.
A native of L.A., Cox had played quarterback at New Mexico State while Fred Graves was an assistant coach. Graves later became the offensive coordinator at Utah and recruited in Southern California for the Utes. Cox put Smith on Graves' radar.
The three coaches join a long line of departures since the 2010 season ended. Previously, defensive line coach Jim Washburn (Eagles), receivers coach Fred Graves (Panthers) and running backs coach Craig Johnson (Vikings) left, and defensive coordinator Chuck Cecil was fired.