San Diego Chargers CEO A.G. Spanos: Decision to keep A.J. Smith and Norv Turner was easy – NFL News
After a disappointing 8-8 finish last season, many thought that the time had arrived for general manager A.J. Smith and head coach Norv Turner to leave San Diego Chargers.
Contrary to what many thought would happen, Chargers retained both of them. One might think that this decision would have been awfully strenuous for Chargers’ CEO and executive vice president A.G. Spanos, but that does not seem to be the case.
When asked about how difficult it was to make such a decision, Spanos gave a surprising reply while talking to NFL.com and NFL Network at training camp on Sunday, July 29. 2012. He said:
"Well, I think it was an easier decision once you looked at both of their track records. Our offense has never been more prolific under Norv Turner in any time in team history.”
Spanos has emphasised on the experience and track record in deciding the faith of Turner and Smith.
Turner had been coaching Chargers for last five seasons. Acknowledging what Turner has given to the franchise, Spanos said:
"And you look at A.J.'s time here, and it's the winningest period in Chargers history. I think only three teams have more wins throughout his tenure. When you look at the success they've had, it was hard not to continue that."
Although Spanos has shown confidence in Turner and Smith, both will take the heat.
Turner has previously been fired as a head coach. Moreover, this might be the last of Turner we see as a head coach.
It is more likely that Turner will be shown the door if he fails to take the Chargers to the playoffs this season.
If he fails to take Chargers to the postseason with the depth and talent present on the roster, not many teams would take the gamble of having him as their head coach. Spanos said:
“We all hoped that was going to be the case. The familiarity, the continuity in keeping coach here, the staff with our systems, it’s huge.”
Turner has an overall record of 80-49 with the Chargers. It is the most important factor that has kept his job safe so far.
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