In a move that was almost certain going into Sunday's game with the Oakland Raiders, the San Diego Chargers announced Monday morning that head coach Norv Turner and general manager AJ Smith had been fired from their respective posts.
"I thank A.J. and Norv for the determination and integrity they brought to the Chargers each and every day," team president Dean Spanos commented in a statement. "Both Norv and A.J. are consummate NFL professionals, and they understand that in this league, the bottom-line is winning. My only goal is the Super Bowl, and that is why I have decided to move in a new direction with both our head coach and general manager positions. I am committed to our great fans, and we will do whatever we possibly can to achieve that goal."
Turner told reporters after Sunday's game that he expected the team would start looking for a new coach.
With an 8-8 mark a season ago and a second missed playoffs, both Turner and Smith were given one more chance in 2012.
The Chargers, however, finished this season at 7-9, all but cementing the futures of both Turner and Smith.
While a number of names have been mentioned as possible replacements for Turner, it is unlikely someone will be hired in the next day or two, though several other NFL coaches (Andy Reid and Lovie Smith) are now available after also being dismissed Monday.
Turner went 55-40 in seven seasons with the Chargers after being hired in 2007. Turner, who also has coached the Redskins and Raiders, has a 114-122-1 career record.
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