New contract for SanDiego's AJ Smith.

**jjchieffan** · 01-01-2008, 03:59 PM

No GM that hires Norv Turner as HC deserves a new contract.

The Chargers, who made the playoffs for the third time in four years, rewarded general manager A.J. Smith with a five-year, $11 million extension that will keep him in charge through the 2014 season.

A.J. Smith

Smith

Smith has been general manager and executive vice president since 2003. Last year, 11 Chargers, many drafted by Smith, went to the Pro Bowl during a 14-2 season. This season, guard Kris Dielman and cornerback Antonio Cromartie made the Pro Bowl for the first time. Over the past four years, the Chargers have won 46 regular-season games.

Following the Chargers' season-ending victory over the Raiders, owner Dean Spanos called Smith, 58, into his office and asked him if he wanted to stay with the franchise for a long period of time. Over the course of the day, both sides negotiated the five-year deal. Smith signed it Monday. His contract was set to expire after the 2009 season.

The $2.2 million average is believed to make Smith the third highest-paid general manager in the NFL. Bill Parcells, who accepted the director of football operations job in Miami, is believed to have signed a $3 million-per-year deal. Matt Millen of the Lions is making around $2.5 million.

A year ago, Spanos had to make a major decision about the direction of the team. Marty Schottenheimer was the head coach, Smith was the general manager, and the two weren't getting along very well. Spanos initially decided to give Schottenheimer a one-year extension but decided to fire him after several top assistant coaches were allowed to leave. Schottenheimer was under a lot of heat for not winning a playoff game in San Diego.

Smith gambled by hiring Norv Turner as head coach. Turner had set up the Chargers offense in 2001 when he was the team's offensive coordinator, also setting up the running offense for halfback LaDainian Tomlinson.

After a 1-3 start, the Chargers finished 11-5 and won the AFC West.

During the past two seasons, Smith has locked up most of the best young players on the team to long-term contracts.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3176200

Mecca · 01-01-2008, 04:00 PM

No he deserves that, he built that roster from nothing to being one of the most talented in the league. He's a damn good GM.

**jjchieffan** · 01-01-2008, 04:01 PM

His predecessor built that roster before he died.

Mecca · 01-01-2008, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjchieffan

His predecessor built that roster before he died.

I disagree with that, I think Smith has done a much better job than John Butler...Butler died the year they drafted Sammy Davis...most of their talent was brought in after him.

**chiefforlife** · 01-01-2008, 05:35 PM

I heard they were waiting to see if Carl Peterson would be available, once he stated he wasnt going anywhere, SanDiego locked up the next best thing...

01-01-2008, 03:59 PM
jjchieffan Supporter Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Highlandville, MO Casino cash: $3092247	New contract for SanDiego's AJ Smith. No GM that hires Norv Turner as HC deserves a new contract. The Chargers, who made the playoffs for the third time in four years, rewarded general manager A.J. Smith with a five-year, $11 million extension that will keep him in charge through the 2014 season. A.J. Smith Smith Smith has been general manager and executive vice president since 2003. Last year, 11 Chargers, many drafted by Smith, went to the Pro Bowl during a 14-2 season. This season, guard Kris Dielman and cornerback Antonio Cromartie made the Pro Bowl for the first time. Over the past four years, the Chargers have won 46 regular-season games. Following the Chargers' season-ending victory over the Raiders, owner Dean Spanos called Smith, 58, into his office and asked him if he wanted to stay with the franchise for a long period of time. Over the course of the day, both sides negotiated the five-year deal. Smith signed it Monday. His contract was set to expire after the 2009 season. The $2.2 million average is believed to make Smith the third highest-paid general manager in the NFL. Bill Parcells, who accepted the director of football operations job in Miami, is believed to have signed a $3 million-per-year deal. Matt Millen of the Lions is making around $2.5 million. A year ago, Spanos had to make a major decision about the direction of the team. Marty Schottenheimer was the head coach, Smith was the general manager, and the two weren't getting along very well. Spanos initially decided to give Schottenheimer a one-year extension but decided to fire him after several top assistant coaches were allowed to leave. Schottenheimer was under a lot of heat for not winning a playoff game in San Diego. Smith gambled by hiring Norv Turner as head coach. Turner had set up the Chargers offense in 2001 when he was the team's offensive coordinator, also setting up the running offense for halfback LaDainian Tomlinson. After a 1-3 start, the Chargers finished 11-5 and won the AFC West. During the past two seasons, Smith has locked up most of the best young players on the team to long-term contracts. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3176200
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01-01-2008, 04:00 PM	#2
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $2237050	No he deserves that, he built that roster from nothing to being one of the most talented in the league. He's a damn good GM.
Posts: 111,161

01-01-2008, 04:01 PM	#3
jjchieffan Supporter Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Highlandville, MO Casino cash: $3092247	His predecessor built that roster before he died. __________________ Genesis 1:1 In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth. Following the historical accounts and the genealogy from that point on, the age of the Earth is approximately 6000-7000 years old. The Big Bullshit Theory is a lie. It and the evolution theory go against real science. Satan has used our public school system to brainwash everyone into believing these lies. Be not decieved.
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01-01-2008, 05:35 PM	#5
chiefforlife Colorado Chief Fan Join Date: Feb 2006 Casino cash: $6223147	I heard they were waiting to see if Carl Peterson would be available, once he stated he wasnt going anywhere, SanDiego locked up the next best thing...
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