Schottenheimer to stay for ‘07

Wednesday, Jan 17, 2007 , Chargers.com

 
“I have decided that Marty Schottenheimer is the best person to lead the Chargers in the 2007 season.  General Manager A.J. Smith and I agree on this fundamental point.  That is why we are pleased to welcome Marty and his coaching staff back for Marty’s sixth season as head coach of the San Diego Chargers.

“We are all bitterly disappointed how this season ended, but we can’t allow our disappointment to cloud the achievements of our franchise over the past few years.  Only two teams have won more regular season games over the past three years than the Chargers.  We have 24 key players under long-term contracts through at least 2009.  This is a fine young team, with great chemistry, and right now stability is important for this team.  I’m already looking forward to next season.

“That is why we are also offering one-year contract extensions for Coach Schottenheimer’s staff, through 2008.  We also offered a one-year $4.5 million contract extension to Marty, with a team option buy-out of $1 million for the 2008 season.  He decided not to accept this extension, and I respect his decision. 

“Now it is time to put this issue behind us and move forward together.  That is what I told both Marty and A.J. when I met with them this afternoon.  The entire Chargers family will do whatever it takes to bring a championship to San Diego.”