Norv Turner Still Has a Job, but Chargers Are About to Lose Their Fanbase

The San Diego Chargers' ownership made what it thought was the best decision for the franchise's future yesterday in retaining head coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith. Unfortunately, very few people agree that those two men can lead the team to glory any time in the near future.

After a second-straight extremely disappointing season that ended without a playoff berth, Chargers fans are far beyond disillusioned with the team's leadership. The fanbase feels the team has the players to compete with anyone in the NFL, but for some reason it always falls short of expectations.

While I can understand retaining Smith, who has a keen eye for talent despite back-to-back inconclusive drafts, bringing back Turner is simply inexcusable. The Chargers have been inconsistent, uninspired and undisciplined in Turner's five years in charge. Yet for some reason, team president Dean Spanos and Smith believe he is the man to take San Diego to the promised land.

I'd be shocked if Chargers fans don't abandon their season ticket contracts in droves.

The franchise has haggled and created conflict while trying to secure a boatload of public funds to build a new stadium. All the while ownership has refused to deny interest in moving the team to Los Angeles if a new facility isn't built. If that lack of loyalty hadn't already turned off a significant portion of the fanbase, retaining Turner will.

Apparently several players went to bat for Turner, supporting their coach who has had a disappointing tenure. I get that. Players often feel a kinship with their head coaches, besides, by all accounts, Turner is a wonderfully nice man. That's why Spanos would have had to make a tough decision in letting him go. But it would have been the right one and would have shown a commitment to actually looking to improve the franchise's standing.

Instead Spanos opted for the status quo after two disappointing seasons. And the fanbase may opt to tune the team out as a result.