Let’s compare the head coaching careers of Marty Schottenheimer and Norv Turner.
The rap on Schottenheimer was that he could turn around a terrible team and win in the regular season, but never in the playoffs.
In contrast, Turner just flat-out has a history of not making the playoffs as a head coach (he’s only done it twice in 10 years.)
Two seasons very well justify the feelings about each coach, when you consider 2004 vs. 2008.
In 2004, Schottenheimer was coaching what was believed to be the least talented team in the NFL with the Chargers. (It was so bad that first-round draft pick Eli Manning refused to play for San Diego.)
So what happened?
The Chargers went 12-4, were the surprise team of the NFL and lost in the first round of the playoffs when Nate Kaeding couldn’t make a 40-yard field goal.
(Just what you would expect from Schottenheimer, who was 200-126 in the regular season and 5-13 in the playoffs.)
Fast forward to 2008:
The Chargers have what many consider the best talent in the NFL.
So what has Turner done for them lately? How about leading them to a 4-6 record and the distinction as the most disappointing team in the NFL thus far?
The Chargers got rid of Schottenheimer for not winning in the playoffs, only to hire someone who rarely makes the playoffs. What a shame it would be if this Turner-led team didn’t even make the postseason coming from a crummy AFC West division.
You want a head coach who at least make the playoffs, or one who makes the GM happy by being his buddy?
Unfortunately, you’re stuck with the latter.
Weekend predictions:
Indianapolis Colts 26, Chargers 24
UNLV 27, San Diego State 17
The rap on Schottenheimer was that he could turn around a terrible team and win in the regular season, but never in the playoffs.
In contrast, Turner just flat-out has a history of not making the playoffs as a head coach (he’s only done it twice in 10 years.)
Two seasons very well justify the feelings about each coach, when you consider 2004 vs. 2008.
In 2004, Schottenheimer was coaching what was believed to be the least talented team in the NFL with the Chargers. (It was so bad that first-round draft pick Eli Manning refused to play for San Diego.)
So what happened?
The Chargers went 12-4, were the surprise team of the NFL and lost in the first round of the playoffs when Nate Kaeding couldn’t make a 40-yard field goal.
(Just what you would expect from Schottenheimer, who was 200-126 in the regular season and 5-13 in the playoffs.)
Fast forward to 2008:
The Chargers have what many consider the best talent in the NFL.
So what has Turner done for them lately? How about leading them to a 4-6 record and the distinction as the most disappointing team in the NFL thus far?
The Chargers got rid of Schottenheimer for not winning in the playoffs, only to hire someone who rarely makes the playoffs. What a shame it would be if this Turner-led team didn’t even make the postseason coming from a crummy AFC West division.
You want a head coach who at least make the playoffs, or one who makes the GM happy by being his buddy?
Unfortunately, you’re stuck with the latter.
Weekend predictions:
Indianapolis Colts 26, Chargers 24
UNLV 27, San Diego State 17
1 comment:
San Diego State was smart enough to change its mind and not bring back Chuck Long for 2009. With Norv at 4-7 with a team of "Super Bowl talent" seems like the Chargers should change their minds and get rid of him. His history said this would happen!!!
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