[Terpfen]

you're like a broken record....the decision was made by Spanos, not Smith.

Please explain how Spanos could make the decision to extend Schottenheimer's contract, then less than a month later, fire him.

[sofaman]

I wasn't a fly on the wall and neither were you...but here goes...

Scenario:

Management sits down to consider their asst coach options. The GM (Smith) says that his choice would be "X". Marty (coach) says "not on your Nellie! I won't work with that guy...I'm the coach, I make the choice."

Smith: "Sorry. That's not how it works...."
Marty: "No it isn't"
Smith: "yes it is"
Marty:"No it isn't"
Spanos:"Knock it off you two. Don't force me to choose."

Now, as an owner of a business, the Chargers", I am foreced to make a decision. I have a GM that has brought a ton of talent to san Diego. And I have a head coach who can't coach his way out of a wet paperbag in the playoffs....

No contest. Marty loses.

Besides, you will not be a "great" business if the 2 people responsible for the success of the franchise cannot get along. Ultimately, it is the success of the franchise (read business) that counts and both of these individuals should be dedicated to that single goal.