Chargers Retain Norv Turner

After yet another season of disappointment, the San Diego Chargers have decided to retain Head Coach Norv Turner as well as GM A.J. Smith. The Chargers, who were considered by many to be a Super Bowl favorite at the beginning of the season, finished the season 8-8 and missed the playoffs for the second straight season.

In a statement made today, owner Dean Spanos said "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." The personal nature of the statement does little to dispel the notion that perhaps Spanos has allowed his relationship with Smith and Turner to skew his front office decision making. Spanos infamously fired Marty Schottenheimer in 2007 following a 14-2 season, largely becasue Schottenheimer did not get along well with influencial members of the front office.

The Chargers, who watched Philip Rivers regress this season, will have the 18th overall pick in the upcoming draft. Despite their recent troubles, the Chargers do play in a transitional AFC West, and will be considered a favorite to win the division next season.