thedayafter wrote on Jan 16, 2007 12:13 AM:Has there EVER been a coach that went 14-2 during the NFL regular season who was NOT REHIRED? The Chargers organization and fans can take alot of positives from this past season! Next year Rivers will only get better. And our rivalry with NE is now bigger than ever! With that said, AJ, Dean and Company need to give Marty his one more year.

jon paris king wrote on Jan 16, 2007 12:46 AM:Marty,,Your record shows that you "CHOKE" when it comes down to the play-offs, Be a man and leave..Your good,But your not great..

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jan 16, 2007 6:34 AM:The Chargers need to keep Marty Schottenheimer and get rid of the bums who aren't playing up to the level the Chargers need to make it to the Superbowl.

fran wrote on Jan 16, 2007 6:55 AM:I am not a follower of Marty but this loss wasn't his fault. Parker fumbling the kick off and trying to pick it up instead of falling on it? Even Pop Warner kids know that one. McCree fumbling the interception? 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct? You shouldn't fire a coach over one game and he did great for us for the season. Give him one more try.

Bosum wrote on Jan 16, 2007 7:17 AM:Hire Pete Carroll - if you are going to fire Marty - you should demote Smith for not being a mature enough Manager to make a working relationship work constructively. Smith got this job in the wake of the terrible shock of losing John Butler to cancer. Smith let the power go to his head and more and more people are finding out - he can not be dealt with. The art of good Management is good compromise. For the record - I don't think Marty needs to be let go at all. Best record in team history and there is even a THOUGHT about firing him? That will be as brilliant a move as letting Brees go. Can't be that dumb twice, can you Mr. Spanos?

Luke wrote on Jan 16, 2007 8:46 AM:Jimmy Johnson? or Peter Carroll? as possible candidates - c'mon get real - give us something with substance -

qterback wrote on Jan 16, 2007 9:39 AM:History: After Carroll (NE) was fired, Bill Belichick, hand-picked to be Parcells' successor with the Jets, quit after one day as Jets head coach to join New England. In 2000, Belichick's first season resulted in a 5–11 record. (Chargers with Marty finished worst) In 2001, quarterback Drew Bledsoe was injured early in the season on a hit by Jets linebacker Mo Lewis, and was replaced by Tom Brady, a sixth-round draft pick, who then led the team into the playoffs with an 11–5 record (and, in the process, creating a media controversy over who should be the starter after Bledsoe recovered). The Patriots defeated the Oakland Raiders (in the controversial "Tuck Rule" game) and Pittsburgh Steelers and advanced to Super Bowl XXXVI, where they defeated the St. Louis Rams on a last-second field goal by Adam Vinatieri. In New England's first Super Bowl victory, Brady was selected Super Bowl MVP. Bledsoe was traded to the Buffalo Bills in the 2002 off-season. Chargers, get rid off Drew Brees (injury) for Rivers, who will lead the Chargers for next 3 years for 3 consecutive championship - just watch! Leave the coach in position and fire the GM A.J. Smith who give a HUGE DISTRUCTION to Marty and the TEAM! IMO "

Scott wrote on Jan 16, 2007 9:40 AM:I agree with the dayafter,playoff records aside the Chargers had an awesome season-don't they think He (Marty) had SOMETHING to do with it?

Frank M. wrote on Jan 16, 2007 9:54 AM:Cam Cameron? Give me a break. This Guy should be the blame for both the 2004 loss to the jets and the debacle on sunday.The reason! He failed to put the ball inn #21's hands in both games in the second half.PERIOD! Bring in Jimmie Johnson. His name came up when Marty Shottenheimer was hired. Make the right choice this time Mr. Spanos.

Northernmost Bolthead wrote on Jan 16, 2007 10:01 AM:Fire Marty: he let Drew Brees get away, who would have EASILY made the difference against the Pats. -- Oh wait, that was AJ Smith. If you're going to fire the coach, fire Eric Parker, Marlon McRee, Drayton Florence, Nate Kaeding, and maybe Phillip Rivers. Marty didn't win the game, but they LOST it.

AL wrote on Jan 16, 2007 11:09 AM:You can't blame this one on Marty. The players missed serveral opportunities by dropping passes, fumbling and getting that personal foul penalty by head-butting a Patriot right in front of the officials! Merriman did not play like a defensive player of the year candidate. The front office knows why this game was lost, lets not use that as an excuse to get rid of Marty.

Rick wrote on Jan 16, 2007 11:20 AM:Come on you bleeding hearts out there.Marty Schottenheimer had great teams in both Cleveland & K.C. and those teams found a way to blow it. Bottom Line Marty Schottenheimer is not capable of producing a Championship Team!!!!!!!!!!

lets move on wrote on Jan 16, 2007 11:26 AM:In AJ Smith I trust. Dean Spanos should let AJ make the decision today Marty could get hired else where & his new team would likely pick up the tab on the remainder of his current contract just like when Marty came here from Washington. Cam Cameron Has called the plays in 2 playoff losses. so he`s not the guy either

SAN DIEGO RAIDER NATION (SDRN) wrote on Jan 16, 2007 11:29 AM:TO ALL YOU BOLTZZZZZZZZZZZZ FANS THAT ARE NOW CRYING FOWL AND TRYING TO PUT BLAME ON SNATCHENHEIMMER OTHER THAN THE PLAYERS THAT LOST THE GAME FOR YOU, REALLITY IS THAT YOU WERE NEVER IN SERIOUS CONTENTION FOR THE SUPERBOWL. LIKE I SAID IN THE BEGINNING, D.R.E.A.M.E.R.S.. STOP TRYING TO LIVE THE DREAM, AND FOR THOSE THAT JUMPED ON THE BOLTZZZZZZZZZ BAND WAGON FROM OAKLAND, KEEP YOUR SORRY THERE IN S.D. AND GO HIDE IN A HOLE LIKE ALL THE OTHER PATHETIC BOLTZZZZZZZZZ FANS. S.D. WILL NEVER COME CLOSE TO A SUPERBOWL OR FOLLOW IN THE GREATNESS OF THE RAIDERS. SUNDAY WAS OUR SUPERBOWL, AND IT WAS WORTH THE WHOLE SEASON TO SEE THESE LOOSERS CHOKE AS THEY ALWAYS DO. WE'VE GOT THREE SUPERBOWL TROPHY'S BUT, TOO BAD YOU WILL NEVER TASTE VICTORY AS THE OAKLAND FOOTBALL RAIDERS HAVE. LIGHTS OUT , HAVE A RAIDER DAY! SDRN

SteamingBOLTHEAD wrote on Jan 16, 2007 11:51 AM:Statistics 101: MARTY's LOST 72% of his 18 playoff games! THAT's a HORRIBLE RECORD & TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE! There's no doubt that Marty has been a huge part of making this a winning and respected franchise, the only thing is, he's NEVER BEEN ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY CLOSE THE DEAL!!!!!!! We need a guy who can critically EVALUATE & MANAGE a high (or even low) profile post-season game!!!! Marty's not that guy! He'll make you a regular season winner, but that's about as far as your team will ever go with him at the helm!!!! We have way too much talent (c'mon 9 Pro-Bowlers) on this squad to go out like this! Opting for a sure 3pts via a 40-yard FG when it was 4th and 11 in the 1st quarter was practically a sure thing!!! THAT WAS ON THE HEAD COACH (aka: Marty)!!!!! Throwing out a red challenge flag in the 4th to challenge McCree's totally obvious fumble (despite the zebras realistically asking Marty "Are you sure you really want to challenge this thing coach?") and senselessly SQUANDERING a precious time-out that you could have used during the final seconds of the game to stop the clock and have Rivers throw a final 10-15 yard pass which would have actually placed you within Kaeding's FG range!!!!! THAT WAS COACH MARTY's 2nd CRITICAL MISTAKE OF THE AFTERNOON!!!!Hell a 39 to 44 yard FG attempt by Kaeding, in addition to the 40-yarder he would have nailed in the 1st quarter (during the 4th & 11 situation-remember) would have won it for us in the final seconds by a FINAL SCORE of 27-24!!!!!!!! CLASS & MARTY OFFICIALLY DISMISSED!!!!! NE sucks this year and their FANS know it!!!! P.S. Facing INDY at home in the AFC Championship after beating NE would have been an easier game for SD as well and would have probably had us making a return SB appearance!!!!! IT's just a DAMN SHAME, ALL OF IT, that's all I'm saying fellow BOLT-FANS!!!!!!!

GG wrote on Jan 16, 2007 12:05 PM:Initially, I was in the "it wasn't Marty's fault" group. However, now that I am more able to look at things in a mrginally objective way, I think it may be time for a change. I would like there to be some attention to the fact that Reche Caldwell was a Charger last season and he scored a touchdown and put the Patriots in position to tie the game on Sunday. That, and Drew, and AJ also has some explaining to do. For now, Go Saints!

Mooch wrote on Jan 16, 2007 12:07 PM:STEVE MARIUCCI!

Don'tLetTHEdoorHitYa wrote on Jan 16, 2007 12:22 PM:"The Power of Christ Compells You!! Be Gone Demon Marty!!"

Another name... wrote on Jan 16, 2007 12:24 PM:June Jones has done an outstanding job at Hawaii since he left the Chargers. I would love to see June come back and see how many points his offense would put up with a great back like LT and QB Rivers. Defensive Coord's. all over the league would be scared to death. Just look at his offensive numbers each year at Hawaii, with far less talent than the rest of his schedule. #1 ranked offense in country, in about every stat the NCAA keeps.

Pleez! wrote on Jan 16, 2007 12:30 PM:Even his players are backing him up! They are to blame for their flub-ups not Marty! For all you crying, sniveling, foot stomping, temper tandrum, poor losing babies..SUCK IT UP!!!

NoMarty=SB Rings wrote on Jan 16, 2007 1:18 PM:It's a business Mr. Pleez! What are you his son in law? Marty's a legitimate PLAYOFF CHOKER and known to mis-mange PLAYOFF GAMES! What's wrong with you dude?

DOC wrote on Jan 16, 2007 2:03 PM:TO THE CHARGERS IF YOU FIRE MARTY YOU CAN KISS MY CHECK FOR SEASON TICKETS GOOD BYE

John wrote on Jan 16, 2007 2:21 PM:I have had to change my mind too. The "go for it on 4th & 11" not only told the Patriots, only desperate tactics could beat them, it was demoralizing to his players to see the pressure got to Marty. It set the tone for the desperate play by the team that followed..all they needed was a normal effort to get the job done against a clearly inferior opponent.

Jim wrote on Jan 16, 2007 2:26 PM:Steaming Bolthead, I'm sure you realize that when the line of scrimmage is just outside the 30, the resulting FG attempt would be 47 or 48 yards. Big difference, especially when kickoffs were flying further in the other direction. I happen to agree that a quick 6 or 8 yard down and out, before the final FG attempt, should have been called. During warmups, though, Kaeding EASILY put through a 60 yarder, towards the West End Zone, for what that's worth. I am in the "Keep Marty" corner. This team sucked when he took over. We played an awful 1st half in KC, and dominated the Ravens for 58 minutes. Sunday was by far the worst Chargers performance of the season, and, the sad part is, the Pats really weren't the cause of all of our miscues (Vincent Jackson's drops & lame attempt to get 2 feet in boundsin the end zone; Clinton Hart's ridiculous dropped INT; Parker's drops and muff and re-muff; dopey personal fouls; Drayton Florence running all the way across the field when the entire side of the field on which he made the INT was COMPLETELY OPEN. I understand when thouroughbreds wear blinders, but his runback was bizarre!! Watch the replay). The last challenge was clumsy but, with an 8 point lead, and possibly a somewhat stunned Defense...losing the time out hurt, but, I personally thought that it was unlikely that they would desperately need one down the stretch. Hindsight being 20-20, it was a bad challenge. I agree with the guy (Canepa) who questioned the pass on 2nd and 5, after the Pats had tied the game. Lt was getting yards, we had time to drive into FG position. Was the pass on 2nd and 5 someone caving in to all of the "Martyball" hysterics? As someone said, his players play hard every week. I hope this doesn't turn into a classic case of "be careful what you ask for".

Bozzmania wrote on Jan 16, 2007 2:55 PM:The "4th and 11 call" changed my mind. It was a desperate act that demoralized his team and motivated the Patriots because it proved that the pressure got to Marty. It set the tone for the desperate play of the Chargers from that point forward, when only a normal effort was needed to beat an inferior opponent.

Football fan wrote on Jan 16, 2007 2:57 PM:First things first, to Mr. SD Raider Nation, as a Charger fan, during the season I despise the Raiders, but if they are supporting the AFC West in the post season, damn right I'm supporting the division, so be a real football fan and not just a one team fan screw the rest, and let's not talk about choking after the Raindeers had the Chiefs and the Broncos beat just to choke on a milkbone in the games. You may have superbowl titles, but that was then, and I certainly don't see the makings of a ocntender anytime in the near future for you. I look forward to the days when the Raiders start putting a team on the field that is better then the UNLV Rebels. Now as far as the game, the bolts were the stronger team, that includes in stupidity. You have LT, and let's not forget Turner, you line both of them up in the backfield, you spread out that defense. Not to mention you have a 4th quarter with a 8 point lead and a running back putting numbers up and you pass the ball to receivers that can't seem to catch a ball in the numbers? In all honesty, does anyone think Rivers had a bad game? I certainly don't, people are ragging on him, but if half those dropped passes were caught, then he's up for MVP of the game. The loss was a complete group effort, with no exceptions. The defense never made adjustments to the blocking strategy that the Pats were playing, sounds like a defensive ocordinator what not paying attention to the game. Wind against you, but on the 30, worth a shot for 3 on a fourth and very long, bad decision either way you put that one. 9 touches in the second half where you held the lead throughout for your top player? If I was LT I would be mad also, but more mad at my coaches then the Pats. The game was a sham, could have easily won the game if the players and coaches had paid just a little bit of attention to what was happening on the field. So should the coaching staff be rewarded for that? Are the coaches including Marty be held unaccountable for the game, particularly after such a wise decision to throw a red flag and kill a timeout over an obvious good call by the refs. I'll let you decide. 14-2 is great, but you have to stand up to prove your record in the post-season, and that's up and down the organization. This is a very good team, and a couple minor changes or additions could make them the team that all other teams dream to be.

Jim wrote on Jan 16, 2007 2:59 PM:Are the Chargers going to join the Browns, Chiefs, and Redskins as franchises that have STUNK ever since Marty left? Cleveland for almost 20 years...KC for 8...Washington for 5 or 6 ('Skins went 8-8 with Tony Banks at QB in Marty's 1 year). I get the impression that A.J. Smith's ego is bigger than Qualcomm Stadium...but, I hope that the Spanos' are bright enough to keep Marty.

Jan from Virginia wrote on Jan 16, 2007 3:09 PM:Marty did not have the team prepared- as is his MO. Check out the comments from the Kansas City sportswriters—he made the same mistakes when he had the Chiefs in the post-season—bad timeout management, poor playcalling, and poor discipline. Get Jimmie Johnson or Steve Mariucci--June Jones sounds good. Marty just can't close the deal--he does not coach well in the post-season. Period.

DR wrote on Jan 16, 2007 3:20 PM:If the Chargers' goal is to run up an impressive regular season record, Marty is their guy--one of the best ever. If, however, they want to make a run at a Super Bowl championship, they need to make a change. Marty coaches differently, and his players play differently, in the play-offs. The Chargers lost Sunday because too many of their key players were not mentally prepared. They dropped balls they should have caught (Parker, Gates), failed to fall on balls they dropped (Parker), caught balls they should have knocked down (McCree's interception on 4th down), committed non-sensical personal fouls due to out of control emotions (Florence), and failed to recognize a two-point conversion play that was on tape, having been used earlier in the year. These mental mistakes betray a lack of mental preparation that must fall squarely on the shoulders of the coach. On top of this, Marty made his own game day gaffaws, by foregoing a potential field goal and trying to convert a 4th and 11, going to a prevent defense late at the end of the 1st half to let NE get back into the game, and burning a precious time-out on a replay challenge for which there was no reasonable basis. This is merely the latest chapter in the book on Marty and his players that goes back long before he came to San Diego. It is foolish to think it will change. So, do the Chargers want the best regular season record? Or, do they want a ring? I know what the great L.T. wants. He deserves a coach that can get him there.

Dan (Temecula) wrote on Jan 16, 2007 3:32 PM: Marty as a head coach should have had his team mentally prepared for the head games this great post season team would deal. All though there were at least 8 different things that you could say if that didn't happen we would of won doesn't excuse the 2 the head coach was involved in. #1 4th and 11, when are previous possession was 4th and 3, and we punt. We ended up fumbleing because obviously we were going to pass they blitz, and the Patriots take the lead 3-0. Then the dumbest thing Marty did (quite a few times during the regular season) was throw the red flag to waste a most valuable timeout on a play that was obviously a fumble that in my opinion truly lost the game. If we had the one timeout in the end we had time for another play to set kaeding up for an easier shot. Yea I know Parker had the worst game of his life, and about 10 other stupid plays but we had homefield, with a by, and are head coach wasn't able to keep the best team in the league with a good head on there shoulders, and keeping them from losing what I believe to be the worst upset in all of my 25 years as a CHARGER fan. With this talent we must not waste another year with a post season loser. To the raider fan that has an opinion go and worry about your 2- 14 team because you can't win a regular season game doesn't give you bragging rights to anything. When the raiders can at least beat us, or should I say at least win 2 in a row(we have won 8 straight) then maybe you souldn't open your #$%&#*@ mouth!!!!! No matter what, Marty or not we will be back, and will go on to the super bowl because are players learned 2 times what it is like to giveaway 2 post season.

James wrote on Jan 16, 2007 3:46 PM:Hey Raider Fan, I think the manager at my local Hotel used to O.C. in high school. KEEP LIVING IN THE 70'S AND ENJOYING THOSE 2-14 SEASONS!

Joe wrote on Jan 16, 2007 5:02 PM:Unfortunately, Marty must go. He just can't play with the cold, calculating, unemotional style needed in playoff games and other tough situations. We have all watched him melt down under pressure for years, and that will never change. Too bad - he's a nice guy but can't deliver the flag. Maybe bring in a relief coach for the playoffs? Is Trevor Hoffman busy? For the Raider fan - that was then and this is now. Really was great watching your "nation" walk out of the stadium in the 3rd quarter the last couple of years. Never the same after TB wiped the turf with them in the Superbowl here. Absolutely pathetic team with no hope in the forseeable future. You must be doing the all caps rants to feel better - is it working?

Patriots Planet! wrote on Jan 16, 2007 5:05 PM:What is it with all the losers on this web blg Please! The Chargers are a bunch of fluff! You are only as good as you last game! The Chargers lost terribly, played terribly and that was their last game! Patriots rule! Super Bowl 2007!

LTFanatic wrote on Jan 16, 2007 5:05 PM:The Chargers have improved immensely since Marty came to this organization. Part of the team's success and failure (Sunday) has to do with the players, and part to do with the coaches. Yes, it's true, Marty does have a poor post-season record. And he made some critical errors in Sunday's game - wasting t.o.'s, going for it on 4th and 11, underusing a player in the 2nd half who was having a very productive day (LT), and not being prepared for some of the things NE threw at them (RB direct snap to convert for 2 pts. - I mean come on, how many times have we seen NE use that play?). But Marty can't take full responsibility for the loss. Too many players made too many mistakes. OK, mistakes are going to happen, nobody's perfect, but this is the playoffs, and you can't expect to win with the frequency of errors that occured on the field. So being partially responsible, I don't object to firing Marty as long as we can hire a substitute who is better than him. I'm not convinced that such a person exists on the market right now. Jimmy Johnson back in the day would've been good, but too many SB rings = no MO. Also, I think there is a good bond between Marty and the players. Bring in a new HC, and a lot of time will be needed before things begin to gel. So I say give Marty his remaining year. This team will rebound and be even better next year, so watch out Raida' Fans!!!

Jim wrote on Jan 16, 2007 5:19 PM:John at 2:21 p.m. Demoralizing to his players to see the pressure get to Marty? They had the ball--albeit for only a second or two--and an 8 point lead with 6 minutes to play!! What game are you referring to, where the Chargers were demoralized? Also, as many mistakes as the Chargers had, I can't place blame on McCree. If the pass were some heave DEEP down field where he could assume that he would be tackled immediately, yes, of course, bat the ball down. But this pass was right in his numbers, and, but for a great heads-up play by Troy Brown, it must have appeared to Marlon that he could make a huge play. It turned out to be a huge blunder, but, I don't put it in the same category as the Parker, Jackson, Florence, and Polk mistakes.

Jim wrote on Jan 16, 2007 5:38 PM:"My bad" earlier in naming Polk. I had dashed to the men's room after the 3rd TD, missed the XP and subsequent personal foul penalty, and upon my return heard someone mention Polk, when it was Olivea. Don't even know if Polk is on the field for PATs and XPs, though some defensive players are.

Bruce wrote on Jan 16, 2007 7:40 PM:Marty received the kiss of death from Scott Kaplan and BR, on the radio they pleaded with AJ and Spanos not to fire him. They also made the same plea with the Brees fiasco. So long Marty. The front office will have to bite your ass after you and your new team, the Miami Dolphins, defeat them next year in the AFC Playoffs.

American-Irish Resident wrote on Jan 16, 2007 8:56 PM:What was Marty doing when he was leaving a pathetic Eric Parker stay in the game play after play? Earnest Byner killed Marty against the Broncos years ago and a lame brain bonehead McCree finished Marty off against New England.