NFL, Norv Turner, San Diego Chargers , Black Monday, AJ Smith fired, Norv Turner fired
It took a little while, perhaps because of their time zone, but Black Monday has begun in San Diego, where the Chargers just announced that they're firing head coach Norv Turner and general manager AJ Smith.Turner went 56-40 in 6 seasons with the Chargers, but it's his playoff record that people will remember.
The Chargers were consistently considered one of the more talented teams in the AFC, but Turner only had 4 playoff wins in 6 years to show for it.
Much of the credit for his success could be placed squarely on the shoulders of LaDainian Tomlinson, who carved out a HOF career with the Bolts.
With Tomlinson, Turner and the Chargers were 22-16, and made the playoffs all 3 years. After Tomlinson left, their next 3 seasons ended up with a total record of 24-24, with zero playoff appearances.
Turner, like Chan Gailey, is another guy who might have some success somewhere as an offensive coordinator, but isn't cut out for head coaching.
Smith, the former Chargers GM, will be best remembered for trading the #1 pick in the 2004 draft for a slew of players around which he built a quality team.
Eli Manning was the #1 pick, and the Chargers sent him to the Giants in exchange for multiple picks, which ended up being Philip Rivers, Nate Kaeding, and Shawne Merriman.
Of course, he'll also be remembered as the guy who let Drew Brees walk away.
12/31/12 | kteacher | 31552 respect
Reading about that 2004 trade is odd without throwing in the fact that Mouth Breather Manning didn't want to play in San Diego.
As for the rest..............about time Norv got the ax. Chargers fans have been waiting.