SAN DIEGO - The American and team flags at Chargers Park flew at half-staff on Monday.

A mark of the somber tone ricocheting through the team's facility in wake of Sunday's playoff loss? Perhaps, but officially the flags were positioned to mourn the recent passing of former President Ford.

Of course, there's no denying the Chargers were downcast as well after their 24-21 divisional playoff ouster by the New England Patriots.

While that sinking feeling is being absorbed, one wonders when coach Marty Schottenheimer's status will be addressed? Not Monday, as Schottenheimer was conducting individual player meetings and unavailable for comment, while general manager A.J. Smith didn't return a call.

The call on Schottenheimer? One is left to speculate, as he's left twisting like the flags out front.

It's clear how the NFL's MVP feels about Schottenheimer.

"I think Marty has done a tremendous job, when you look at before he came, where we were," running back LaDainian Tomlinson said. "He's totally changed not only the perception of the franchise, but the mind-set of the players. He's done a tremendous job, in my opinion."

Tomlinson's thoughts are nice, but they don't mean squat. Instead, Chargers management is speaking volumes by saying nothing at all.

If the team was appreciative of Schottenheimer pointing it to the best regular season in franchise history, wouldn't Smith or team president Dean Spanos - also unavailable - say it?

Why let this story fester for days unless the team has already decided that Schottenheimer is toast? Schottenheimer isn't without his blemishes, some of which were on display in Sunday's loss, his 13th in 18 playoff games. But he has also won two AFC West titles in three years and pumped life into a franchise that was an NFL doormat.

Most speculate that Schottenheimer, 63, won't fulfill the final year of his contract, although it would mean the Chargers would have to eat the $3 million he is scheduled to receive next season.

Then they would have to hire another coach, and that figures to add at least $2 million more to the tab. Plus, there's the issue of settling up with the old assistants and signing new ones.

All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates sounded as if firing Schottenheimer would be wrong, especially if the decision is based on Sunday's showing, which was the Chargers' worst game of the season.

"He's definitely a leader," Gates said. "If any discussion is about the past game, Marty Schottenheimer can't catch the ball or make tackles. He put us in position to win games. The last game, all the players should be accountable. It's not on the coaching; the players didn't make the plays."

But making a play to keep Schottenheimer? Gates knows that such a maneuver on his part would be fruitless.

"One thing I've learned about playing in this league: Business is business," he said. "You do what you can control.

"Obviously, the continuity and trust built in this locker room starts with Marty Schottenheimer. But I also understand there are certain things we can control, and this is something we can't control."

Tomlinson anticipates that Schottenheimer will get another shot with the Chargers.

"In my mind, I think so," Tomlinson said. "With the season we had, with a lot of guys with no playoff experience or experience in big games, the way he pretty much handled this season, I feel maybe he will.

"But what do I know?"

About the same as everyone else.

- Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com.

Waiting in the wings?

If the Chargers fire coach Marty Schottenheimer, here's a list of coaches who might be candidates to lead the defending AFC West champions in 2007:

Cam Cameron: Team's offensive coordinator is a hot candidate who has interviewed in Miami, Arizona and Atlanta.

Wade Phillips: Chargers defensive coordinator is 47-36 in three stints as a head coach.

Pete Carroll: USC coach is a hot rumor in Internet circles, but GM A.J. Smith won't surrender the required power to entice him south.

Kirk Ferentz: Iowa coach has long been a favorite of GMs looking for the next up-and-coming prospect.

Jim Mora Jr.: Before recently being fired by Atlanta, he took the Falcons to the NFC title game. He also worked for seven years with the Chargers as a scout and assistant.

Jim Fassel: Canned by the Ravens this year as their offensive coordinator, he once took the New York Giants to the Super Bowl.

Jimmy Johnson: Former Cowboys and Dolphins coach is good friends with Chargers president Dean Spanos.