It's official: Chargers head coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith will not return to the team next year.
The Chargers made the announcement on Monday morning,
“I thank A.J. and Norv for the determination and integrity they brought to the Chargers each and every day,” said Chargers president Dean Spanos in a statement. “Both Norv and A.J. are consummate NFL professionals, and they understand that in this league, the bottom-line is winning."
The Chargers final record was 7-9 and the team went out on a high note Sunday with a victory over the Raiders, 24-21.
Turner finished 56-40 in six seasons with San Diego, but just 24-24 the past three seasons.
“The hardest part for me today was being with the players because I know what they’ve done," said Turner at a press conference on Monday.
Ron Wolf, former Green Bay Packers General Manager, has been retained as a consultant to advise the Chargers throughout the general manager and head coach hiring process, according to the Chargers.
Ed McGuire and John Spanos will also help with the process.
The team says the hiring process will begin immediately.
"Our goal is to put a winning product on the field and we haven’t done that in three years," said Spanos. It is not a good thing when you don’t see the fans in the stands.”
