Two weeks ago, when the Chargers were 4-6, team owner Dean Spanos told the San Diego Union-Tribune that Norv Turnerwould be back next season. Predictably, fans weren't all that enthusiastic about the news, and presumably they're less so now that San Diego is 4-8. But there's some good news, faithful Bolts followers: Vegas ain't convinced.
"Although A.J. Smith has publicly stated that Turner's job is not in jeopardy, we firmly believe that someone will lose their job in regards to this season and we believe that to be Turner," said Richard Gardner, Bodog's sportsbook manager.
"[General manager] A.J. Smith may have to remove Turner, if only to save his own job, as surely management will question some of the moves he made this season. ... If it comes down to it, Turner could take the fall for some of Smith's failures."
It's not much, but it's something. The Union-Tribune's Tim Sullivan writes that Spanos and Smith owe Norv for his run to the AFC Championship game last season. And one reason the front office might stick with him in '09 is that Turner was the guy picked to replace Marty Schottenheimer, who was canned after winning 14 games in 2006.
But there's a workaround (well, other than just admitting that hiring Turner was a dumb idea and moving on):
...[H]ow do Spanos and Smith suddenly reverse their field again without looking silly?
Answer: Bill Cowher or Pete Carroll.
Probability: doubtful.
Perhaps Smith could coexist with a personality as powerful as Cowher. Maybe USC's Carroll could be induced to return to the pro game by absolute autonomy. But neither of these scenarios, floated with the frequency of bathtub toys, would seem the smart way to bet.
Translation: the Chargers would probably be better off with Cowher or Carroll, but for biting-off-nose-to-spite-face reasons, Norv will be back.
Bodog Believes Norv Turner Will Get Fired, Chargers Fans Pray for Christmas Miracle originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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