Two weeks ago, when the Chargers were 4-6, team owner Dean Spanos told the San Diego Union-Tribune that Norv Turner would be back next season. Predictably, fans weren't all that enthusiastic about the news, and presumably they're less so now that San Diego is 4-8. But there's some good news, faithful Bolts followers: Vegas ain't convinced. "Although A.J. Smith has publicly stated that Turner's job is not in jeopardy, we firmly believe that someone will lose their job in regards to this season and we believe that to be Turner," said Richard Gardner, Bodog's sportsbook manager.It's not much, but it's something. The Union-Tribune's Tim Sullivan writes that Spanos and Smith owe Norv for his run to the AFC Championship game last season. And one reason the front office might stick with him in '09 is that Turner was the guy picked to replace Marty Schottenheimer, who was canned after winning 14 games in 2006.
"[General manager] A.J. Smith may have to remove Turner, if only to save his own job, as surely management will question some of the moves he made this season. ... If it comes down to it, Turner could take the fall for some of Smith's failures."
But there's a workaround (well, other than just admitting that hiring Turner was a dumb idea and moving on):
...[H]ow do Spanos and Smith suddenly reverse their field again without looking silly?Translation: the Chargers would probably be better off with Cowher or Carroll, but for biting-off-nose-to-spite-face reasons, Norv will be back.
Answer: Bill Cowher or Pete Carroll.
Probability: doubtful.
Perhaps Smith could coexist with a personality as powerful as Cowher. Maybe USC's Carroll could be induced to return to the pro game by absolute autonomy. But neither of these scenarios, floated with the frequency of bathtub toys, would seem the smart way to bet.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-08-2008 @ 7:58AM
litezoner said...
FIRE THEM BOTH AJ AND NORV!!! Last year was nothing more than Norv riding the coat tails of what marty laid down in previous year, This organization should be ASHAMED! For taking the MOST talented squad in Charger history and quite possibly the entire NFL and basicly throwing a stick in the spokes of a fine tuned machine that was MORE THAN capable of winning the big one more than once! It's like buying a brandnew car and smashing it into a wall, JUST to see how good your insurance is! I have been sick before from this team, after 35 years of supporting and watching them, This really makes me ill.
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12-12-2008 @ 2:20PM
Gary H said...
Norv Turner was never the right man to coach the Charger's after Marty S. was fired. A.J. Smith has made so many mistakes in the team formulation that the owner's must find a solution immediately. The answer is to fire both of these guy's and bring in some competent replacements. If the firing of both the Head Coach and the General Manager doesn't happen, then it can only be concluded that the Spanos Family is incapable of fielding a championship team in San Diego.
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12-17-2008 @ 12:45PM
Tom said...
Norv has neither the passion nor the strength of personality to manage and motivate this or any team. He displays all the enthusiasm of a guy waiting for a bus. The team has faltered under his reign showing how not to run a defense and how to squander a talented offense.
Get rid of him and perhaps Smith. I still believe Breese was a stronger pick than Rivers because of River's lack of personal maturity and hence leadership. And although Rivers came through against KC he has faltered at pivitol times contributing to losses of tight games.
I see players arguing with each other, with the refs and at times with the fans.
I vote for a new coach.
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