Norv Turner Turning Page on Tough Season, Eager to Tackle Job Next Year

by Dennis J. Georgatos

Filed under: Chargers, AFC West, NFL Injuries

Norv Turner has been assured by club management that he'll be back next season, and the Chargers coach said Wednesday he's looking forward to a more productive campaign by the team in 2011.

The Chargers (8-7) had won three consecutive AFC West titles under Turner before being eliminated from playoff contention last Sunday with a loss in Cincinnati. San Diego finishes off its season on Sunday at Denver.

In a conference call with Denver-area reporters, Turner said he believes team president and CEO Dean Spanos, along with general manager A.J. Smith, understood that the team's injury-riddled season had a lot to do with the Chargers' falling short of the playoffs.

San Diego lost such stars as tight end Antonio Gates, wide receivers Malcom Floyd, Legedu Naanee, Patrick Crayton, kicker Nate Kaeding and running back Ryan Mathews to injury at various times. In addition, the Chargers had to cope with the prolonged absence of left tackle Marcus McNeill and wide receiver Vincent Jackson due to holdouts.

"I think they appreciate the fact that we played 73 different guys," Turner said. "You know, we've been through a lot of different things in terms of preparing different people for different games and the uncertainty of it.

 

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