The Cincinnati Bengals were a surprise choice to be featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks" this season, but work already has begun on lining up a team for 2014. The early leader in the clubhouse: The San Diego Chargers.
Kevin Acee of U-T San Diego reported Sunday that the Chargersstrongly are mulling doing the show next year and are considered a "favorite."
"We've educated ourselves as to what the process is," Chargers CEO A.G. Spanos said. "Business-wise, every team has been helped by being on the show."
Players like Eric Weddle and Philip Rivers expressed displeasure when they heard they might be on the show, but it's not up to them. It's up to the owners, and Spanos might be looking for a way to increase interest in his stagnant franchise.
The trick, for ownership, is to get the "football side" of the building on board with the decision. And it sounds like there is serious hesitation from the Chargers' football operations and coaching staffs.
HBO recently announced a long-term extension with "Hard Knocks," but it always will be a challenge to find teams willing to do the show. The Chargers are a team to watch out for in 2014.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
