It might seem silly to even suggest that the Chargers should fire Norval Eugene Turner, given that he led the team to an 11-5 record last season, and was able to accomplish something Mary Schottenheimer never could in his five years on the job: a playoff win. And Norv did it twice in seven days. Not too shabby. Of course, Schottenheimer lost his job after a 14-win campaign, and Turner was staring at 1-3 one month into the gig. Now, the Chargers are 4-6, the playoffs are virtually out of reach, the defense is in shambles, LaDainian Tomlinson's next breakout game will be his first, and the fans are getting restless.
But team president Dean Spanos is staying the course, which means: more Norv for everybody!
"I'm committed to him," team president Dean Spanos told The San Diego Union-Tribune on Wednesday morning. "I believe in him. It's ridiculous to think he's not going to be back." ...To be fair, the Chargers have had a fluke-filled season. There was the last-second loss to the Panthers to open the season, and then Ed Hochuli in Denver happened. Ralph Wilson Stadium lost power during the Buffalo game (which may not have had an effect on the outcome but it's still weird), and last Sunday was the mess in Pittsburgh. Oh, and Shawne Merriman's on injured reserve.
"He's coming back," General Manager A.J. Smith said "... We are extremely happy with the first year with the man we hired and where we're heading. "We're disappointed with the win-loss record (this season) but not in the coach."
This isn't to make excuses for Turner, just to point out that some of what's transpired in the last 11 weeks is out of his control. Feel better, Chargers fans? No? Okay, just think back to those heady Mike Riley days. And know this: despite the slow start, San Diego is still just two games behind Denver in the AFC West. It could be worse.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-19-2008 @ 7:37PM
Ethos said...
Take it from an old Redskins fan,it probably is Turners fault.If any of it was Marty's fault (and i don't believe the playoff loss that cost him his job was his fault) then certainly this is Turners fault.Norval creates a soft environment resulting in soft teams.He is not a winner as a head coach and SanDiego will continue to be mediocre until he is gone.Last year was still Marty's team.This year is all Norval's team.Notice a difference?
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11-19-2008 @ 7:52PM
GreatR said...
Losers like A.J. and Dean love other losers and brown nosers. In Norvell they have found the perfect pawn for their own stupidity. Last year Marty prepared the team and it was successful. This year Norvell (with micromanagement from A.J. Smith) "prepared" the team. The result? The team is not motivated, happy nor sucessful. The Spanos rule of San Diego Football continues to be one of the worst in the history of football.
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11-20-2008 @ 3:23AM
mark said...
Norv didn't inject steroids into Shawn Merriman (as far as I know).
Norv didn't give Phylis Rivers and LaVisor Talktoomuch the knees of a 70yr old.
Yeah, the Chargers record is pretty bad, but LT has been nonexistant and the defense has been crap.
I blame A.J. Smith as much as anyone. Those linebackers, Wilhelm & Cooper, and SS Hart couldn't make the practice squad of most teams.
P.S...Not wise to let Godfrey, Polk, and Donnie Edwards walk and not upgrading the position.
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11-21-2008 @ 1:31AM
David said...
Great news Broncos fans. I hope Norv Turner Is coach of the Bolts forever. The same wish I had when he was hired to coach the Raiders. Turner is terrible, at best. Tell Dean that Matt Millen should be available to replace AJ Smith if he's serious about destroying his own franchise. Should have never fired Marty. That was like Al Davis trading Jon Gruden. Spanos might try selling the team to Davis for cheap if he wants to get this done right. It's an early Christmas in BroncoNation
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