SAN DIEGO -- There will be two Turners calling offensive plays when the Chargers and Chicago Bears meet in the regular-season opener on Sept. 9.

Ron Turner is the offensive coordinator of the Bears, the NFC representative in the most recent Super Bowl.

The 53-year-old Turner is the younger brother of Chargers head coach Norv Turner.

Having a brother in the same profession has always been pleasing for Norv Turner, particularly when dealing with the highs and lows of coaching. The two Turners were raised in the Bay Area suburb of Martinez by their mother, Vicky.

"We talked about it when I went down to watch the Super Bowl last year," Norv Turner said. "Our mom raised us, a single parent, and she did a great job in terms of making sure our priorities are right and she gave us great guidance.

"To think that two guys that grew up in a little town, Martinez, have had the opportunities we've had is a real credit to her."

Norv Turner is beginning his first season as Chargers head coach. He's also coached the Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders. Ron Turner interviewed for the Miami Dolphins coaching post this past offseason before the Dolphins hired Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.

"He was one of three or four finalists down there," Norv Turner said. "The input I got back was very positive. He's very capable."

Norv Turner said he and his brother usually talk by phone a couple times a week and last spoke earlier this week. Some times they talk football, other times they talk about family.

But there will not be any phone conversations between the two leading up to this contest. Ron Turner also has nothing to say publicly. He turned down an interview request and a Bears official said he's decided not to comment until after the game is over.

Roster moves

The Chargers cut six players Friday to reduce their roster to 69 players. Those released were defensive tackle Titus Adams, cornerback Gabe Franklin, tight end Kelly Griffeth, receiver Onrea Jones, punter Brian Monroe and fullback Mike Warren.

The team must trim 16 more players off the roster today to reach the mandatory 53-player roster limit.

Mixed reviews

Turner got the long look at third-string quarterback Charlie Whitehurst that he desired during Thursday's preseason game against San Francisco and found both good and bad aspects within Whitehurst's play.

"Charlie was in at times with a limited crew, but Charlie makes good decisions," Turner said. "At times, I'd like to see him a little bit more aggressive with the football. But you can always coach that as you go. He's not careless with the ball, I like that."

Whitehurst was 7-of-14 passing for 76 yards. He threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to rookie Craig Davis.

Et cetera

RB Germaine Race will undergo a season-ending toe operation. Race injured the toe during Thursday's preseason game against San Francisco. … Reserve C Cory Withrow (foot) is listed as day to day. … RB Michael Turner (ankle) could return to practice Monday but it's more likely that he won't practice until Wednesday. The players are off today and Tuesday. … The Chargers were penalized for having 12 men on the field during an opponents' field-goal attempt for the second time this preseason. Coach Norv Turner is confident the issue won't occur in the regular season, partly because the two players involved won't make the final 53-man roster. "They will not be on the field when we're playing Chicago, I can promise you that," Turner said. "That is young guys not listening and not doing what they're asked to do and I would like to think we could get a timeout called and not have that problem."

Contact staff writer Mike Sullivan at (760) 739-6645 or msullivan@nctimes.com.