Something Familiar

The hot rumor is that a loss by the San Diego Chargers to the New England Patriots this weekend could cost San Diego coach Marty Schottenheimer his job. A portion of that reason is that the GM in San Diego, A.J. Smith and Marty hate each other’s guts. Another is that the owner of the Bolts, Alex Spanos, said that the team needed to show significant improvement in 2006.

That sounds very similar to what Chicago Bear President and Chief Stadium Finance Arranger Ted Phillips told NBC just before the Bear-Packer game nine days ago. So, why would until-we-hear-differently Bear Head Coach Lovie Smith get an automatic contract extension, regardless of playoff performance, while Marty gets a severance package?

As discussed in our comment section, Marty also has a poor historical record of playoff performance, John Elway being a big reason why.

But a loss on Sunday and Lovie Smith will be on his way to a lousy playoff record, too. With Lovie already under contract for 2007, there is no reason not to make him earn his money for 2008 with at least one win this year.