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Ernie Zampese, one of the most respected offensive coaches in pro football, is leaving the Chargers for a job with the Rams.
Zampese, who will be 51 next month, will become the Rams' offensive coordinator, a position he held last season with the Chargers. Previously, he had served as receivers coach and assistant head coach.
The Chargers have promoted Dave Levy, offensive line coach, to offensive coordinator, a job he had from 1983 through 1985. Coach Al Saunders also announced the hiring of Roger Theder as quarterbacks coach.
There was no sign of conflict between Saunders and Zampese, whose contract has expired. Zampese, who had been with the Chargers nine years, said he was close to agreeing to a new contract with Steve Ortmayer, football operations director, when he was contacted by the Rams.
A longtime associate of Don Coryell, who resigned as the Chargers' head coach at midseason, Zampese was central to developing the San Diego offense for the past five years.
Zampese said he was approached by John Robinson, Rams coach, late last week about redesigning an offense that has been largely one dimensional because it was centered around running back Eric Dickerson. Zampese, whose strength is passing, is certain to develop an attack that will better utilize Jim Everett, second-year quarterback.
Coryell, whose association with Zampese goes back 20 years to their days at San Diego State, said he was surprised by the decision.
"Ernie is the best offensive coach in football," Coryell said. "This is a great loss for the Chargers and a great thing for the Rams."
Charger quarterback Dan Fouts often referred to Zampese as the game's No. 1...