SAN DIEGO -- Coach Mike McCoy confirmed he would like to surround San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers with more playmakers to make his job easier next season.

"We have a special quarterback," McCoy said. "He's one of the best in the business. And to have Philip Rivers as the quarterback of our organization, we're very fortunate to have him. I'd love to get him as much talent as we can to help him win."

Rivers played behind a makeshift offensive line a majority of the season. He finished the season without his top two running backs in Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead, along with his top wide receiver Keenan Allen. Without those weapons, Rivers finished the season banged up with back and chest injuries.

The Chargers have 17 players expected to hit free agency in March, including Mathews, left tackle King Dunlap, outside linebacker Jarret Johnson, receiver Eddie Royal, cornerbacks Brandon Flowers and Shareece Wright and pass-rusher Dwight Freeney.

McCoy said the Chargers have the foundation in place to compete for a Super Bowl, but under the direction of general manager Tom Telesco, the organization will have to figure out how to keep and add enough talent during the offseason to improve San Diego's chances of winning a championship.

"We've got a lot of work ahead of us to do whatever we can to be in better position in the future," McCoy said. "And I know Tom and myself will do everything with one thing in mind, and that is what helps us win here, and how do we become a better team moving forward."

Mathews was not available during locker room time open to reporters while players cleaned out their lockers on Monday.

The 27-year-old Fresno State product is scheduled to become a free agent, but played in only six games in 2014 due to an MCL sprain in his knee and a severely sprained ankle. However, McCoy acknowledged when Mathews was healthy the past two seasons, he's been productive.

"When he was in there, he did an outstanding job I think," McCoy said. "But unfortunately he got dinged a couple times in there. He's a very talented player. You'd love to have him in the backfield with you."

While the Chargers finished No. 4 in the NFL in pass defense, holding teams to just 214 passing yards a game, the Chargers still have to improve the pass rush. San Diego finished with just 26 sacks in 2014, No. 29 in the league. The Chargers have not had a double-digit pass-rusher since Antwan Barnes finished with 11 in 2011.

"We're going to work on that, without a doubt," McCoy said. "We've got to do a better job of getting after the quarterback. You talk about pass defense -- well, the best pass defense is a good pass rush. And then the best pass rush is good pass coverage. So they work hand in hand."

McCoy said the plan is for both offensive coordinator Frank Reich and defensive coordinator John Pagano to return next year.

A Bay Area native who grew up a San Francisco 49ers fan, McCoy also squashed any speculation about his possible interest in the vacant head coaching job in San Francisco.

"I'm very happy with where I'm at," McCoy said. "I love my job."