Spanos, Smith leave no room for doubt: Turner's their man
Kevin Acee (Contact)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Before he left town for a scouting trip to size up a player he could select in April's draft, perhaps in a spot much higher than anyone ever anticipated for the Chargers, A.J. Smith took time to dismiss the notion that Norv Turner could be dismissed.
In a smooth tone, but with a raised voice, the Chargers general manager said the words so many Chargers fans feared and observers around the country had a difficult time believing:
He's coming back.
Hours later, in an office on the second floor of the Chargers' complex, the only man in the organization with more power than Smith duplicated his GM's passion and his allegiance to the Chargers' head coach.
I'm committed to him, team President Dean Spanos said. I believe in him. It's ridiculous to think he's not going to be back.
Despite their insistence it was a non-issue and that they had not once discussed Turner's job status, neither man seemed displeased to be able to put to rest any speculation about Turner being here in 2009.
And there was no ambiguity about their message.
This was not the dismissive and vague assurance that no staff changes were coming, such as the one Smith and Spanos gave in London a week before firing defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell. At that time, Smith had been resisting firing Cottrell but then decided he had no choice after the defense's atrocious showing against New Orleans.
Both Spanos and Smith were adamant about keeping Turner, their voices elevated for extended periods during the conversations. Turner, who has two years and more than $6 million left on his contract, is their man.
I think it's foolish, Smith said of the suggestion a coaching change would occur. It's not even been discussed. There are lots of things we're going to discuss. But we hired a coach I believe in, someone I can work with. We're in this for the long haul.
LINK
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stori...oubt/?chargers
Chargers' owner, GM say Turner's job not in danger
Chargers' owner, GM say Turner's job not in danger
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