LOS ANGELES _ He stepped behind a podium bearing the Chargers logo for the same sort of regular weekly media session that has been a part of Philip Rivers' life for 14 years.
The only difference Tuesday was that this session could have been his last as the franchise's starting quarterback.
Rivers will next meet with reporters en masse Sunday after the Chargers' season ends in Kansas City. Unsigned beyond this year, there as yet is no guarantee he'll be back in 2020.
And, even if he does return, the 38-year-old explained that the regrets regarding this year already are being felt.
"You hate to let a year go by," Rivers said. "There have been too many of those in the last eight, nine, 10 years. It stings a little more. You hate always when you're not in (the playoffs). But it certainly hurts more when you're in the home stretch."
The Chargers will miss the postseason for the fifth time in six years and eighth time in 10 years. They are trying to avoid going winless in the AFC West for the first time since 2015.
Having stumbled to a 5-10 record in a season that began with high expectations, the Chargers followed their two playoff games a year ago by clinching last place in the division with a game to spare.
"We've had a lot happen that stings in a lot of ways," coach Anthony Lynn said. "Just having a losing season stings. Yeah, we're frustrated about that. But there's nothing we can do about that now."
The Chargers finished 9-7 in Lynn's first season and 12-4 a year ago. So, he's experiencing his first losing season as an NFL head coach.
This team made few significant roster changes following 2018 and there was only one notable departure from the coaching staff.
Then, in late October, Ken Whisenhunt was removed as offensive coordinator and replaced by Shane Steichen. There will be more changes before the 2020 offseason program begins.
"I don't believe in doing the same thing and getting the same results," Lynn said. "There will be some adjustments. We'll see how many. But it sucks, first losing season as a head coach. It's very frustrating for me. I don't plan on doing it again."
Along with Rivers, the Chargers' other upcoming unrestricted free agents include running back Melvin Gordon, tight end Hunter Henry, safety Adrian Phillips, offensive lineman Michael Schofield, fullback Derek Watt and defensive lineman Damion Square.
