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Bolts' GM knows he's on the hot seat

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08:03 AM ET 04.21 | A.J. Smith operates as if the seat on which he sits is always hot. "The seat was hot the day I was hired as general manager. That's the way I look at it. I just do my job. I don't care if it's hot or cold. It's up to Dean Spanos to tell me which one it is. It's exciting when Dean asks me what my plans are for the year. It means I'm coming back." Smith jokes, adding, "I tend to dismiss negativity," but depending on whom you talk to -- and I'm not one you should talk to -- you could barbecue a side of beef on his rear end. ... Next week's NFL draft is a terribly important one for the GM, Turner and the organization in general. Smith hasn't found defensive impact players in recent years, and he hasn't really had one since Shawne Merriman decided to make an impact on Hollywood.

The San Diego Union-Tribune

Dean Spanos, Getty Images Dean Spanos, Getty Images
April 21, 2011  08:14 AM ET

For a lot of teams, it's "What have you done for me lately"...

In A.J.'s case... "What the hell have you done at all?"

April 21, 2011  08:17 AM ET

Why does he still have a job?

April 21, 2011  08:21 AM ET

Kelsey Grammer was never that good of an owner anyway.

April 21, 2011  08:22 AM ET

Apparently the seat isn't hot enough.

April 21, 2011  08:29 AM ET
QUOTE(#3):

Kelsey Grammer was never that good of an owner anyway.

But he is great as Sideshow Bob.

April 21, 2011  08:32 AM ET

Chargers were suppose to go places last year...They didn't. Bye,bye birdy!

April 21, 2011  08:33 AM ET

What San Diego is finding out is what the rest of us knew all along - the AFC West was only theirs because the other 3 teams just plain sucked. Now that KC has come alive, they're not even a playoff team anymore. The few good guys are getting old, LT is gone, and they're looking up the ladder at a team that's climbing faster than they are.

Comment #8 has been removed
April 21, 2011  08:59 AM ET
QUOTE:

Doesn't there got to be action in order to be on the hot seat?

Eat chili and take a laxative - you'll get plenty of action on the hot seat.

April 21, 2011  09:17 AM ET
QUOTE(#1):

For a lot of teams, it's "What have you done for me lately"... In A.J.'s case... "What the hell have you done at all?"

AJ single handily dismantled a great Charger team, last chance at a super bowl since firing Marty Ball. They deserve to sink even further, and now the return of the dreaded Oakland Raiders, say good night Rivers, I mean AJ!

April 21, 2011  09:23 AM ET

I hope Dole doesn't post a video of barbecueing a side of beef on his rear end

April 21, 2011  09:48 AM ET

Can't believe AJ is still around. The most arrogant GM in Football. At least if his team had won something you could tolerate his behavior.

April 21, 2011  10:07 AM ET

I read all the AJ talk but he does do a good job drafting talent doesn't he? Isn't it more about how cheap the organization is when it comes to keeping players because of their financial philosphy? Then shouldn't be the question be about Spanos and is he the one not willing to pay? Just asking...anybody?

April 21, 2011  10:08 AM ET
QUOTE(#13):

I hope Dole doesn't post a video of barbecueing a side of beef on his rear end

He will now!

April 21, 2011  10:14 AM ET
QUOTE(#1):

For a lot of teams, it's "What have you done for me lately"... In A.J.'s case... "What the hell have you done at all?"

I love it when the inept run teams I don't like anyway.

Keep Norv too and what the heck, bring back Marty for giggles.

The comedy never stops.

April 21, 2011  10:43 AM ET
QUOTE(#7):

What San Diego is finding out is what the rest of us knew all along - the AFC West was only theirs because the other 3 teams just plain sucked. Now that KC has come alive, they're not even a playoff team anymore. The few good guys are getting old, LT is gone, and they're looking up the ladder at a team that's climbing faster than they are.

Astute analysis. Had Vincent Jackson been there, KC would not have stood a chance. The Chargers are underachievers but are certainly a playoff team.

April 21, 2011  10:45 AM ET

San Diego has a good QB ,RB WR and TE. Usually that core group can get you into playoffs even with a mediocre defense. Unfortunately We are talking San Diego which ranked last on defense. With the posibility of losing Vincent Jackson and Gates this season there should not even be a seat for him to sit on in SD.

April 21, 2011  01:08 PM ET

Good ol' AJ...the most egotistical front office guy in the league with the absolute least to show for it. Last season, he thought he'd show the players who's boss by keeping the best wideout and a pro bowl offensive lineman off the team. Excellent idea...if you are a KC/Denver/Oakland fan! He drafts guys no other team really wants, runs roughshod over the coaches (Schottenheimer), and generally makes it harder and harder to be a Charger fan. With the tough schedule just released, the Bolts may be lucky to be a .500 team...especially if they do the typical Norv Turner slow start.

April 21, 2011  03:09 PM ET
QUOTE(#22):

San Diego has a good QB ,RB WR and TE. Usually that core group can get you into playoffs even with a mediocre defense. Unfortunately We are talking San Diego which ranked last on defense. With the posibility of losing Vincent Jackson and Gates this season there should not even be a seat for him to sit on in SD.

Nice. They were actually ranked 1st in defense.

 
April 21, 2011  04:52 PM ET

San Diego was ranked 10th in total defense and the Broncos were last ( 32).

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