The San Diego Chargers will not be making a move at head coach or general manager, according to a statement from team owner Dean Spanos. The future of GM A.J. Smith and head coach Norv Turner had been in question after the Chargers missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
Norv Turner, A.J. Smith Returning To San Diego Chargers, Dean Spanos Announces
Several weeks ago the vast majority of league observers would have predicted Turner, and even possibly Smith, would be fired. But in the last week we've seen momentum coming for both to return and, according to Spanos, they will. It was also believed Philip Rivers was strongly encouraging the team to retain Turner.
“Bottom line, I believe these two men give us the best chance to get back to the playoffs,” Spanos said. “A.J. Smith is the best man to improve our roster, and Norv Turner is the best man to lead that roster on the field.
”Together, we have stability and experience that’s hard to find in the NFL. They’ve both been in this league a long time. I don’t think there is anything they haven’t seen or experienced. They’ve led us through some difficult situations.
”As we’ve seen throughout Norv’s tenure and particularly this past season, the players believe in him, respect him and play hard for him. When we went through that tough stretch, no one quit. The team kept playing hard, and that’s a tribute to Norv’s leadership and the respect the players have for him.
”Now we will take a hard look at everything, from player evaluation to coaching to the rash of injuries we’ve suffered in recent years. Injuries have killed us. And no one is ever perfect in this business. Player evaluation isn’t an exact science. We need to improve across the board and I’m going to make sure we do.
“We all have our quirks and faults, but I want A.J. and Norv on my side. They are the right men to help us win a championship.”
Check out SB Nation’s Bolts From The Blue for the latest on the Chargers bringing Smith and Turner back.
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