Mike McCoy has said that Philip Rivers must go "back to basics" in order for the San Diego Chargers to improve in 2013.

The quarterback threw 15 interceptions and was sacked 49 times last season, which saw the Chargers miss out on the playoffs with seven wins and nine losses.

The team's new head coach told NFL Total Access: "We got to get him going back to the basics. Take what the defense gives you. Don't be afraid to check it down. You don't have to make that big play every play.

"You know we are going to do some different things in the passing game with him to raise the completion percentage, get the ball out of his hand a little bit quicker.

"Help the offensive line. Run the football better. That's the key. You have to run the football."

Rivers has reached the AFC Championship game once since being drafted by the Chargers in 2004.