Eric D. Williams 10y

Mike McCoy returns to San Francisco roots

SAN DIEGO -- As a kid, San Diego Chargers coach Mike McCoy rooted for the San Francisco 49ers. He regularly attended 49ers home games at Candlestick Park, seeking autographs from legends like Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Ronnie Lott.

Any luck?

"We found our ways," McCoy said. "We knew how to get into certain gates and how to sneak in, and I knew a few people that helped us out."

McCoy and the Chargers visit the 49ers in their new home in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday in each team's third preseason game. McCoy grew up in nearby Novato, California, playing quarterback in high school and eventually making his way to the University of Utah. He got his break in NFL coaching from former 49ers head coach George Seifert, who hired him as an offensive assistant coach while serving as the head coach for the Carolina Panthers in 2000.

McCoy said that his parents will attend the game, along with some other family and friends. But the San Diego head coach still considers the trip north a business trip.

He also gets an opportunity to check out the San Francisco’s new home, Levi’s Stadium, for the first time. The Chargers will play there again during the regular season on Dec. 20.

"It will be good," he said. "We are going there later in the year, too, and it will kind of get us acclimated a little bit and see the surroundings."

Injury update: For as second straight day, safety Jahleel Addae (hamstring), defensive end Lawrence Guy (shoulder), defensive end Sean Lissemore (ankle), running back Kerwynn Williams (unknown), receiver Vincent Brown (calf) and cornerback Marcus Cromartie (unknown) did not practice for the Chargers on Tuesday. Offensive lineman Jeromey Clary (hip/shoulder) remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. The team will take the day off on Wednesday.

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