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Chargers might miss Schottenheimer already
RealFootball365.com, AZ - May 8, 2007
The failures of Schottenheimer's teams in the playoffs are well-documented, but no one can deny that he has a strong eye for talent. During Schottenheimer's 10 years as the Kansas City Chiefs ' sideline general -- the longest head coaching stint of his career -- numerous Pro Bowlers and three likely Hall of Famers (Derrick Thomas, Will Shields and Tony Gonzalez) were drafted.

And, of course, he was also the coach during the Chargers' recent drafts.

Because of the tense relationship he had with Smith, it's difficult to know exactly how much influence Schottenheimer had in the San Diego draft room. It seems safe to say, though, that the head coach had a fair amount of pull. And it can't be ignored that the Chargers' uncharacteristic effort in this year's draft came right on the heels of Schottenheimer's dismissal.

Knowing all this, is it possible that Schottenheimer's absence is already hurting the team? Does he deserve more credit for the Chargers' successful drafts than he's been given? Considering the "dysfunctional situation" that led to his firing, could Smith and others in the organization have been purposely downplaying Schottenheimer's importance in such matters?

At least for the moment, the questions are hard to answer. It could just be a coincidence, after all. In 2008 the Chargers may get back to the impressive draft-day performances that people have gotten accustomed to. Or their 2007 draft class may produce beyond what anyone seems to expect. Many writers have noted that, for now, Smith's track record has earned him the benefit of the doubt.

But if this year's draft produces poor results for the Chargers, Smith's decision to fire one of the NFL's all-time winningest head coaches has come back to haunt him much sooner than he ever could have expected.

Wed, 09 May 2007 04:51:57 GMT

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[cwstech]

I have not said much on this situation, but I really think that it was a bonehead move to get rid of Schottenheimer. They had a realistic chance of winning the whole thing this year.