Chargers Keeping Schottenheimer
The biggest news in San Diego this week is the Chargers. Yes, we all know that the Chargers lost their bid for the Super Bowl on Sunday in a 24-21 defeat to the New England Patriots, but it didn’t end there.
The next question on everyone’s lips was “Will head coach Marty Schottenheimer be fired?” The speculation was not simply because of the latest loss, or the rift between Schottenheimer and Chargers General Manager A. J. Smith. Schottenheimer has a 5-13 postseason career record, 0-2 with the Chargers. Among those who have coached at least 10 playoff games, Schottenheimer’s is the second-lowest winning percentage, at .278.
All of these factors could cut Schottenheimer’s time with San Diego short.
On the other hand, at 14-2, this was the Chargers’ best season ever. Schottenheimer’s record over the last five years with the chargers is 47-33 in the regular season, including 35 wins and two AFC West titles in the last three seasons.
As for Sunday’s defeat, Smith took some responsibility for the loss, saying “What I really took into account [in this decision] was that some of the players’ performances in that game disturbed me. And those were players I brought in.” After much discussion with Chargers President and CEO, Dean Spanos, and talking with players and people inside and outside of the Charger organization, Smith said that what the decision came down to was that he didn’t want the Chargers to lose a year, starting over with another coach.
Moving Forward
On Wednesday afternoon, Schottenheimer met with the media to express his gratitude to Spanos for giving him another opportunity to bring a Super Bowl title to San Diego, saying “The players, the coaches and the investment that has been made by all of us, we still have work that’s undone. It’s our intention to go back to work as is our custom and go at it in a way in which we can ultimately fulfill the ambitions of our organization and most importantly our fans.”
Schottenheimer was offered a one-year contract extension through 2008, which he declined, so although he will coach the Chargers for 2007, he probably won’t stay beyond that.
Expect other changes in the Chargers coaching team for 2007. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron is in Miami interviewing for the head coaching position with the Dolphins, while Wide Receivers coach James Lofton is negotiating with the Oakland Raiders to become their head coach.
For additional information, see the Chargers’ Top Story: Schottenheimer set to guide Bolts in ‘07
3 Comments
I’m not a big fan of Marty. He changed up the game strategy just when “Marty-Ball” started working. I’ve never felt he was a playoff coach and he won’t bring the Bolts to the Super Bowl.
All that being said, how do you fire a guy who wins you 14 games?
Exactly! No one can dispute that he can win some games, but he does seemed cursed when it comes to getting to the Super Bowl.
Here’s an idea – Dean Spanos invites Marty to go golfing, and just happens to invite Don Shula and Bill Cowher to make it a foursome. Marty becomes “bestest buddies” with Don or Bill, and learns from someone who’s been there.
(I’ll bet they’d have no problem finding a caddy for that game either.)
[...] From her extensive listing of San Diego newspapers to the coverage of the local sports scene and politics I know Carole will set a high standard for other Home Turf Media blogs. [...]