Posted on 02/12/2007 7:12:58 PM PST by Terpfen
SAN DIEGO -- Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer was fired Monday night in a shocking move by team president Dean Spanos, who cited a "dysfunctional situation" between the coach and general manager A.J. Smith.
The move was first reported by ESPN's Chris Mortensen.
Less than a month after San Diego's NFL-best 14-2 season was wrecked in a playoff loss to New England, Spanos cited the exodus of both coordinators and other assistants in firing Schottenheimer, who had a year left on his contact.
"This decision was so hard because Marty has been both a friend and valued coach of our team," Spanos said in a statement. "But my first obligation is always to do what is in the best interest of our fans and the entire Charger organization. I must take whatever steps are necessary to deliver a Super Bowl trophy to San Diego. Events of the last month have now convinced me that it is not possible for our organization to function at a championship level under the current structure. On the contrary, and in the plainest possible language, we have a dysfunctional situation here. Today I am resolving that situation once and for all."
(Excerpt) Read more at sports.espn.go.com ...
The G-men wanted Marty in the worst way. It's no secet Barber couldn't take Coughlin anymore. He was like a college senior repeatedly going to first grade lectures. How the G-men are going to replace 40% of their offense is beyond me. 7-9 next year-much easier schedule-and look for Parcells, Cowher, or Marty to take over.
I have no idea --- I guess it's damn ole A.J. Smith's call.
Oh...I didn't know there was another one.
I am sorry, onyx..so, who do you want for your coach?
Wade Phillips has everything to do with it. AJ Smith has wanted to get rid of Schottenheimer for the past two years, but didn't have a reason to do so. Getting rid of Schotty means Smith's buddy, Phillips, could have become the head coach after Schotty's meager one year contract extension expired.
Of course, that little plan went out the window when Phillips left, so Smith has apparently done everything in his power to get rid of Schotty, and has succeeded in convincing Spanos to fire him.
The last laugh will be on Schottenheimer, though, when he gets two or three job offers after next season. Teams that I can see trying to get Schottenheimer include the Browns, Bengals, potentially Vikings (they already hate Childress), potentially Jacksonville, potentially Baltimore, potentially Washington.
I was happy with Marty. I have no idea about a new coach and I'll bet the team isn't happy either.
I wouldn't be surprised if Parcells was asked to do an interview. I hope he tells Smith were to poke it.
Won't happen. Jerry Jones already has a willing yes man in Wade Phillips. He's not about to bring in a guy who would potentially tell Jones to stop interfering with his decisions.
Schotty wasn't fired because of his record; he was fired because AJ Smith hates him. Nothing more, nothing less.
What *are* they smokin' in Sandy Eggo?
I thought Cowher was going to take a year off...but, the Giants would be a good job...so, he might.
Parcells?? What is that old saying about you can never go home again??
Marty maybe...
I just hate how these sports leagues always just trade the same coaches from team to team.
All of them, basketball, baseball..football...coaches get fired..and just move to a different team.
I think it is time for the young guys...get new blood into the leagues.
Just like Dallas Mavericks did...they got rid of Don Nelson and went with Avery Johnson...and he hasn't lost more than about 25 games in the over a year that he has coached.
AJ Smith and Schottenheimer hated each other. Smith finally found the excuse he's been looking for the past two years to fire Schotty.
I'll bet they aren't either. Schottenheimer is one of the most respected coaches in the league.
I'll call the front office tomorrow to make known my rage. It won't change anything, but I will feel better. :0)
I can't believe Nelson is still at it. I can remember Don Nelson coaching an NBA team out west somewhere when I was growing up in high school back in the 1980's.
LOL. Get it off your chest before the draft. :)
Well, it was obviously Marty's fault his defensive back was too stupid to bat down a fourth down pass.
This has nothing to do with the Patriots game. It has everything to do with AJ Smith finally finding an excuse--disagreement over filling assistant coaching positions--to fire Schotty.
whoa...didn't they just pick up a one year option? or am I mistaken?
It is still dumb! Bet Wade Phillips is glad he got the Dallas job.
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