[free me]

Smith didn't fire Marty, Spanos did. Smith is the one who built the current probowl laden roster. Smith brought Wade with him from Buffalo.

Marty is the one who played Drew Brees in a meaningless game against Denver last year instead of getting Phillips some reps. Brees was injured in that game. Marty hasn't won a single playoff game since 1993 despite having home field advantage 3 times. As a Broncos fan, I'm sorry to see Marty go.

[Terpfen]

If Spanos truly wanted to fire Schottenheimer, why would he offer an extension after the end of the season, even if it was only a single year?

The answer: he really didn't, at least not right away. AJ Smith, however, has managed to convince Spanos to get rid of Schotty.

I'm guessing San Diego will make a run at Norv Turner or Pete Carroll.

[BigSkyFreeper]

Smith didn't fire Marty, Spanos did.

I wouldn't doubt there was pressure at the top, and it involved Smith. Spanos had two options: kick Smith out of the front office or fire Schottenheimer. He opted for the second option.