Norv Turner Has Nothing to Lose with the San Diego Chargers in 2012

Playoffs or fired.

The only thing that should be in Norv Turner's mind this season is that if the San Diego Chargers miss the playoffs for a third-straight time, he will be looking for a job elsewhere. Needless to say, most fans wanted him out after last season, but was retained for reasons only A.J. Smith could clarify.

A big reason for Norv Turner returning for the 2012 NFL Season was because of the players' praise. Philip Rivers was happy to see him back.

Norv Turner became the Chargers' coach in 2007. It's all been downhill from there. Let's look back at the reason he became coach in the first place.

Marty Schottenheimer, after leading San Diego to a 14-2 record, was relieved of duties because of his failure to win a playoff game. For some strange reason, the Chargers thought Norv Turner would be a more promising leader. Well, for the reason they hired Turner—to win playoff games—it hasn't been so bad. He has three playoff wins in his five-year tenure.

2007: Two wins.
2008: One win.
2009: No win.
2010: No playoffs. (9-7 regular season)
2011: No playoffs. (8-8 regular season)

Does anyone see a trend?

Coaching is the biggest factor in championship-caliber teams. Norv Turner doesn't have it.

He's run the San Diego Chargers, at one point the most talented team by far in the NFL, into the ground. The player praise for Turner mainly comes from offensive players for his brilliance on that side of the game. He's an offensive coordinator, not a head coach.

With that being said, Norv Turner has nothing to lose this season. His job is on the line. It's his time to prove everyone wrong and finally give Chargers fans what they deserve.

San Diego's team is talented, so he'll have no excuses. It's time for Norv Turner to stop playing conservative, take risks and make the Chargers a feared team in the AFC once again.

Back to the beginning. I don't think it's just playoffs or fired. I believe he must at least win a playoff game this season to secure his job. Emphasis on "at least" because San Diego has a chance for great things in 2012, and instead of holding them back, Norv Turner should lead them to glory.

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