San Diego, CA

After failing to carry the team to the playoffs for a third consecutive season, the San Diego Chargers have fired head coach Norv Turner and general manager AJ Smith.

"I thank A.J. and Norv for the determination and integrity they brought to the Chargers each and every day," Chargers president Dean Spanos said in a statement.

"Both Norv and A.J. are consummate NFL professionals, and they understand that in this league the bottom-line is winning," he added.

In explaining his decision, Spanos said his "only goal is the Super Bowl and that is why I have decided to move in a new direction with both our head coach and general manager positions."

He added that the team is committed to their "great fans" and will do whatever it possibly can to achieve the goal of winning the Super Bowl.

After replacing Marty Schottenheimer, Turner had initial success with the Chargers (7-9), leading the team to the AFC Championship game but lost to the New England Patriots.

However, that was the farthest that San Diego would advance under Turner after he failed to replace key players who left for free agency or injury.

Turner compounded the problem by taking players in the draft who never lived up to expectations, like wide receiver Buster Davis (2007), outside linebacker Larry English (2009) and running back Ryan Mathews (2010).

Turner finished his tenure with San Diego with a 56-40 record. He also had head coaching stints with Washington and Oakland.

The Chargers were reportedly looking at player personnel director Jimmy Raye to replace Smith, who became San Diego's general manager in 2003 following the death of John Butler.

The Chargers won five AFC West titles under Smith's watch and posted an overall record of 94-58 including the postseason.

 

 

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