The fate of Chargers coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith most likely rests on the result of the team's final two regular-season games, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.
An ugly six-game losing streak reportedly had owner Dean Spanos feeling three weeks ago that he'd have to dismiss Turner and Smith after the season. However, The Union-Tribune cited sources Thursday in reporting that Spanos was greatly encouraged by last weekend's 34-14 home victory over the Baltimore Ravens -- and by the enthusiastic response from fans in the stadium.
At 48-30, Turner has the highest winning percentage of any coach in Chargers history. Smith has been the team's GM since 2003.
Should Turner and Smith be fired in San Diego, sources told The Union-Tribune that the coach will be highly sought as an offensive coordinator and that the GM would be the leading candidate for the St. Louis Rams, who plan to clean house after the season.
The Chargers are 7-7 and still in the playoff hunt, although they probably need to win out and receive some help to overtake the 8-6 Denver Broncos and hold off the 7-7 Oakland Raiders in the AFC West.
San Diego visits Detroit on Saturday, then finishes the regular season at Oakland on Jan. 1.
