The Chargers parted ways with their head athletic trainer Damon Mitchell on Thursday in a move that will necessitate that they find a replacement for the position in short order.
Mitchell had been in his position with Los Angeles for six seasons and had previously held a role as the assistant athletic trainer since 2001.
As part of his duties, Mitchell oversaw the general healthcare of all players on Los Angeles’ roster, and “consulted with team executives on the hiring of all team physicians and ancillary medical staff” according to the Chargers’ official website.
He is the Chairman of Membership Services for the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society and earned his degree in health education from Morgan State University.
The Chargers have been plagued by injuries at key positions over the last several years. While Mitchell certainly isn’t to blame for the team’s misfortune in that regard, it makes sense that they would look for a fresh face to fill the role as they look to compete in the playoffs next season.
Mitchell is likely to secure himself a soft landing with another team in the league at some point during the offseason. Who the candidates to replace him might be are, to this point, unknown, though the team is sure to fill the void left in his absence posthaste.
