Norv Turner: The Man, the Myth, and the Mediocrity That Follows

When Marty Schottenheimer left the Chargers two years ago following a 14-2 season, the hope was that the next coach could capitalize on inheriting one of the NFL's most talented rosters, and give the Chargers the one thing that eluded Schottenheimer, a victory in the playoffs.

If that is the lone standard for judging the success of Norv Turner as the Chargers Head Coach, then he has been a resounding success so far.

The Chargers reached the AFC Championship game in his first season, and were able to beat the Colts this past season in the first round of the post-season before bowing out against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

However, if a playoff victory is the only standard being applied to Turner by the Chargers, then the expectations are far too low.

Following a 14-2 season the Chargers rallied to an 11-5 mark in 2007 after a disappointing start, and they finished this past season at 8-8.  The demise of the Chargers has been shocking considering the lofty expectations.

Certainly injuries play a role in the Chargers record, but in the end, there is little in Turner's track record as a head coach to indicate that he is the coach to bring this team to the Super Bowl.

In his time with the Raiders Norv was able to turn around a 4-12 team by going 5-11 in his first season, and then back to 4-12 in his second year with the team before being dismissed.

His seven seasons with the Redskins were a mixed bag, with his first two seasons resulting in losing records, and the subsequent five years resulting in only one trip to the post season.

Although certain players, notably Philip Rivers have shown marked improvement during Turner's time with the Chargers the team as a whole seems to be struggling to maintain the same level of discipline that they had under Schottenheimer. 

It may be the case that an injury plagued season for the Chargers that left them without Shawne Merriman for all but one game, and a hobbled LaDainian Tomlinson, was too much to overcome for the Chargers.

However, there is little doubt that even without Merriman that this team was far too talented to rely upon an unlikely collapse by the Denver Broncos to make the playoffs.

Injuries and the excuses that come with them can only pacify a fan base for so long, and although a playoff victory or two will make many forget about a string of upsetting regular seasons, one more disappointing year will have even the most die hard Chargers fan jumping ship.

The jury is still out on whether Norv is the coach who can lead the Chargers to the Super Bowl, but considering the uninspired play of this team the past two years, and the return of Tom Brady to the Patriots next year, the window is closing on the Chargers opportunities. 

Ultimately, the question that may be the most important, and can never be answered is whether Norv Turner, a coach with a mediocre track record was the right fit two years ago for a team that was seemingly on the verge of greatness.