Chargers DC John Pagano to remain with the team

Chargers DC John Pagano has elected to remain with the team, despite interest from the Cleveland Browns. (Handout/Getty Images Sport)

Despite some interest from Cleveland, John Pagano has elected to remain with the Chargers for 2013 instead of joining Norv Turner and head coach Rob Chudzinski in Cleveland.

Pagano has been with the Chargers since 2002 and is the longest-tenured member of the coaching staff. San Diego's defense ended the 2012 season ranked ninth overall, a jump up from 16th overall in 2011.

“I want to thank the Spanos family, Coach McCoy and the entire organization for believing in me,” Pagano said in a statement from the team. “These are very exciting times for the Chargers and I look forward to keep building our defense to where we want it to be.”