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A San Diego Charger will never wear No. 55 again.

The Chargers formally announced that they will retire the number in honor of legendary linebacker Junior Seau. He committed suicide on May 2. He was 43.

The team hosted a celebration of life in Seau’s honor Friday night at Qualcomm Stadium. An estimated 20,000 people were there to listen to several tributes to Seau.

The number will be formally retired during a ceremony at halftime of the Chargers’ home opener against Tennessee on Sept. 16. Seau joins quarterback Dan Fouts (No. 14) and receiver Lance Alworth (No. 19) as the only players to have their numbers retired by the Chargers.

“Junior’s accomplishments on the field speak for themselves,” team owner Dean Spanos said. “His play on the field combined with his leadership and charisma became the face of this team for more than a decade. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”

It was the first day of the NFL combine in Indianapolis and if A.J. Smith had been nervous, it would have been understandable.

He was entering the most critical offseason of his career. Already fired in the court of public opinion, Smith and Norv Turner, the coach he will forever be connected to, were given a reprieve by the San Diego Chargers ownership even though the team failed to make the playoffs for the second straight season.

San Diego is trying to curry as much public favor as possible in an effort to get a new stadium. If the team fails to reach the postseason again this season, the duo probably will be fired. The only way either man could retain his job if the Chargers don’t make the postseason would be if the team were decimated by injuries. And even that might not be enough.

Smith has to have an excellent year and the task began in earnest at the combine, where the team’s free-agency and draft plans began to unfold.

Was Smith worried in Indianapolis?

If he was, he is a fantastic actor. He looks like he’s on vacation every day. Tanned and well dressed, Smith casually sipped iced tea and spoke at length about his plan for the offseason. He was aware of his challenges and the consequences of failure but vowed not to play the offseason scared.

“I’m not going to get desperate,” Smith said then. “I’m going to do it my way.”

Fast forward more than two months later; Smith must be applauded for what he has done. Smith did everything he could to put the Chargers in a positive position headed into the season.

He decided not to tie up a large chunk of his free-agent budget in Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson. Instead he focused on keeping other key in-house free agents such as offensive linemen Nick Hardwick and Jared Gaither, signed several receivers and added solid depth throughout the roster.

Smith followed up his aggressive free agency efforts by spearheading one of the best drafts. The Chargers found stunning early-round value on defense, their greatest need. At the end of Round 3, ESPN analyst Jon Gruden applauded the team's choices and said he believed San Diego would be a playoff team again.

The Chargers’ biggest offseason need was to infuse a lackluster defense with some impact performers. They had a meek pass rush in 2011 and were the NFL’s worst defense on third down.

After securing Baltimore linebacker Jarret Johnson in free agency, Smith watched his draft board fall perfectly. It started when dynamic South Carolina pass-rusher Melvin Ingram fell to San Diego at the No. 18 pick. He is a perfect 3-4 outside linebacker and should make an instant impact. He was expected to be a top-10 pick, and ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper called the choice one of the very best of the first round.

In the second and third rounds, the Chargers added defensive tackle Kendall Reyes at No. 49 and then traded up to take LSU safety Brandon Taylor at No. 73, in the third round. San Diego was considering Taylor with its second-round pick. The Chargers went on to draft value the rest of the weekend, even getting potential contributors like center David Molk and running back Edwin Baker in the final round.

Smith told U-T San Diego after the draft that he was pleased with his process, but he knows it doesn’t guarantee anything.

“All drafts are important to me,” Smith told the paper. “All I can do is concentrate on my job each and every year and do the best I can do as long as I can. Nothing’s changed here for me. There’s no outside pressure. I’m grateful to be here and have no idea how long I’ll be here.

“Everyone feels great on draft day. Some will make an impact in their first year, some will take awhile to get better, and some will never get the opportunity because of injuries, but it won’t be their fault or ours. You don’t know anything. We’ve drafted excellent college football players. They’re unproven NFL players -- all of them.”

San Diego owner Dean Spanos is pleased with the offseason Smith has put together.

“I think we were pretty patient in the draft and we think it paid off,” Spanos said in a phone interview this week. “We are happy with how the draft went. … We had a plan this offseason and we feel like we came pretty close to getting everything done we wanted to. … But we will see. We all know we need to get back to the playoffs and we are working to get there.”

Still, getting back into the postseason will not be easy for San Diego. The Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos also made significant improvements in the offseason.

“I can’t say I am sold on the Chargers,” Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. said. “Over the past few years, I think their collective talent level has dropped. They did do some good things in free agency and the draft treated them well, not to mention that I am still a huge believer in Philip Rivers. … It isn’t to say that they can’t compete or get into the postseason, but right now, they are the third best team in the AFC West to me. “

If San Diego can’t break through and Smith and Turner pay for it, it will not be because of a lack of effort at the top. Smith responded to the challenge in free agency and the draft. Now, it’s time to see if it was enough.

The San Diego Chargers just sent out statements on the death of legendary linebacker Junior Seau. He was 43:

Owner Dean Spanos

“I can’t put into words how I’m feeling right now. I’m shocked and devastated. Junior was my friend. We all lost a friend today. Junior was an icon in our community. He transcended the game. He wasn’t just a football player, he was so much more. He was loved by everyone in our family, our organization and throughout the NFL. This is just such a tragic loss. One of the worst things I could ever imagine. My prayers go out to Junior’s family. It’s heartbreaking.”

Head coach Norv Turner

“I have no words to describe the passing of Junior Seau. It is a sad, sad day for not only me, but for the whole sports community. I worked with Junior here and later in Miami. I can tell you no one had more character and true leadership ability than Junior. He brought passion to the game of football that was unmatched. His commitment to charitable causes in the community was inspiring. It was an honor to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

ESPN’s Andrew Brandt reported that New York Giants’ defensive end Dave Tollefson will be visiting the Oakland Raiders on Tuesday.

The Raiders have long been considered a suitor, as Tollefson is a Bay Area native and is a former member of the Raiders’ practice squad. Brandt reports the Packers are also interested in Tollefson, and the word is the Packers want to get a deal done.

Tollefson was an underrated, versatile part of the Giants’ defensive line. He is a solid third defensive end and special teamer, and he'd be a nice pickup by Oakland if the price is right.

In other AFC West news:

• Oakland linebacker Quentin Groves reportedly has tried out for the Giants. Groves doesn’t appear to be in the plans of the new Oakland regime.
• Connecticut defensive tackle Kendall Reyes may be on the Broncos’ radar with the No. 25 pick.
• The Chargers are losing the timetable game in their quest for a new stadium.
• Chargers owner Dean Spanos addressed several topics in an interview with the team’s website.
• Denver left tackle Ryan Clady is visiting ESPN’s campus Tuesday and will appear on several shows.

Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning remains confident we will see the Manning of old.

Because of California's tax rate, Manning saved himself a lot of money in his decision to sign with the Broncos instead of the San Francisco 49ers.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Steelers are reportedly still hoping to re-sign wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery, who paid a free-agent visit to the Chiefs.

Josh Looney of KCChiefs.com says the addition of Manning to the division will put a greater demand on Kansas City's sub-packages.

Oakland Raiders

Ridding the organization of bad contracts has been a focus of new general manager Reggie McKenzie.

Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor dismissed rumors that the team wants him to change positions.

San Diego Chargers

Kevin Acee of U-T San Diego: "Dean Spanos watched much of the same television coverage, participated in the same type of conversations and was simultaneously engrossed and repulsed just like the rest of us as [Peyton] Manning’s search for a new team played out. Spanos, though, felt it deeper than most. He saw a madness behind the madness."

This is not a good day in San Diego.

Vincent Jackson has walked away.

While there were indications in recent days that the Chargers were not prepared to match an enormous deal for Jackson, there has long been the thought that the Chargers -- who are heavily pursuing New Orleans’ Robert Meachem on Tuesday night -- couldn’t afford to let Jackson leave.

This is a critical offseason in San Diego and it has not started well. In addition to Jackson leaving, the Chargers saw longtime standout guard Kris Dielman retire because of a severe concussion he suffered last season, the team cut left tackle Marcus McNeill because of a neck injury and valuable running back Mike Tolbert is poised to visit AFC West rival Kansas City on Wednesday. The Chargers also have priority free agents in left tackle Jared Gaither and defensive tackle Antonio Garay. San Diego’s lone bright spot, thus far, was the re-signing of standout center Nick Hardwick on Tuesday to a three-year deal.

The Chargers must get better. They must do some things in free agency.

Owner Dean Spanos upset the fan base when he brought back coach Norv Turner and GM A.J. Smith in January.

Fans expected Spanos to show a commitment to them by getting better in free agency, and the Chargers still could get better.

But seeing Jackson leave is not going to convince the San Diego fan base the Chargers are truly committed to getting back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2009 season.

Jackson is a premier receiver and he was a great fit for quarterback Philip Rivers, who has to be wondering what is going on with his offensive line and receiving crew.

The Chargers gambled by not giving Jackson the franchise tag for a second year because it jumped to more than $13 million this season. He is averaging just more than $11 million per season with Tampa Bay. The Chargers took a shot at Jackson, but they likely never got close to what Tampa Bay offered.

Now, the Chargers have to go find a top receiver. The only receivers on the roster are No. 2 starter Malcom Floyd (who is injury prone) and second-year player Vincent Brown.

The free-agent class is drying up. The best options may be Brandon Lloyd, Meachem, Mario Manningham and Laurent Robinson. Meachem may soon sign with the Bills even though the Chargers are pushing for him. Robinson flourished in Dallas last season after not making the Chargers’ roster last September. I’m not sure any of those players will make anyone forget about Jackson. The Chargers, who badly need a top pass-rusher, may have to consider taking someone such as Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd with the No. 18 overall pick in the draft.

Here is one way I think the Chargers can regain the trust of fans, but it’s a long shot. They could step in front of Buffalo and sign monster pass-rusher Mario Williams and then sign Pittsburgh receiver Mike Wallace to an offer sheet the Steelers couldn’t match. The restricted free agent would cost the Chargers their first-round pick if he signed. But adding Williams (the best free agent on the market) and having Wallace replace Jackson would show San Diego’s fans the team is serious about getting better.

Again, don’t expect it to happen, but the Chargers must improve and getting creative may be necessary.

In their attempt to get under the salary cap, the Oakland Raiders have thrown down the gauntlet with one of their high-priced players.

NFL.com is reporting that a team source said linebacker Kamerion Wimbley will be cut if he doesn’t take a pay cut. That ultimatum to Wimbley isn't unexpected, but I’m not sure the tactic will work. Wimbley’s agent, Joe Linta, is not the type to blink. If he thinks the proposed pay cut is too steep and he thinks he can get his client a better contract on the open market, he will stand his ground and call the Raiders’ bluff.

Pass-rushers are always in demand on the open market. There would be interest in Wimbley in free agency. I could see the San Diego Chargers taking a look at Wimbley. Four of his seven sacks last season were against the Chargers in one game. Wimbley has 42.5 career sacks in six NFL seasons and 16 in the two seasons he has spent with the Raiders since being acquired in a trade with the Browns. Wimbley created solid pressure in 2011 despite average sack numbers.

Wimbley, who signed a lucrative extension in August, is due to make $11 million this season with $6.5 million in guarantees. The Raiders are most interested in lowering Wimbley’s cap number to help the team get under the salary cap. The Raiders are more than $20 million over the cap.

They may have to cut a player or two and it seems Wimbley is on that list if he is not open to restructuring. The Raiders cut cornerback Stanford Routt last month. Like Wimbley, Routt was given a hefty new contract last year by former owner Al Davis, who died in October. While the new Oakland regime is trying to get the team’s cap in order, it is also trying to keep quality players on a defense that already needs upgrades.

Losing Wimbley would hurt the Raiders but in seems they are prepared for the possibility.

In other AFC West news:

• In a podcast, Mike & Mike discuss Tim Tebow’s chances of being the Broncos’ quarterback in 2012.
• Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski will have to attend anger management issues stemming from a 2010 incident.
• Chargers’ owner Dean Spanos honored guard Kris Dielman, who will formally announce his retirement Thursday.
• "First Take" discusses Tebow’s reported dinner date with Taylor Swift. Yes, "First Take" dishes on all things Tebow.

With the offseason in full swing, let’s take a look at one major question facing each AFC West team as preparations begin for the 2012 season:

DENVER BRONCOS

How will the Broncos build around Tim Tebow?

As a team, the Broncos -- surprise AFC West winners in 2011 -- don’t have a lot of questions, problems or issues. They are in great salary-cap shape and don’t have an overly daunting personnel situation.

The upstart Broncos just have to get better.

Of course, that starts with their biggest question mark -- quarterback Tim Tebow. The Broncos have committed to him as their starter going into training camp and want him to succeed. The likely scenario is that the final decision on Tebow will be made after the 2012 season. So the Broncos will need to build their roster around Tebow.

While the Broncos will be remembered for Tebow-led comebacks on their way to an 8-8 record and a trip to the divisional round in the playoffs, they made strides in 2011 because they ran the ball well and played improved defense. That formula has to continue.

The Broncos still need to get better on defense. They need to re-sign defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley and probably add another defensive lineman. They could also use help at linebacker and in the secondary. If Denver can get two more impact players on defense, it could be a top unit.

The Broncos need to find a running back to pair with Willis McGahee, who ran for 1,199 yards in his first season in Denver. But McGahee is 30 and was dinged up a lot. Denver will likely add a running back in the early rounds of the draft unless it addresses that need in free agency. The Tebow-run offense was as its best when Denver ran the ball well, so help in that area is paramount.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Will the Chiefs keep their top free agents?

The Kansas City Chiefs have a terrific salary-cap situation, with more than $62 million in cap room -- meaning they can do virtually whatever they wish. The Chiefs, entering their fourth year under general manager Scott Pioli, have not spent wildly during his tenure despite being in solid cap shape. He has maintained that he will not spend just to spend, and thus far he has opted for mostly role players in free agency.

Still, Pioli has been extremely aggressive in signing the Chiefs’ best players before they get to free agency. Yet two young standouts -- receiver Dwayne Bowe and cornerback Brandon Carr -- are weeks from hitting the market. The fact that the team hasn't gotten a deal done with either may be an indication that both players want to see what is on the open market even though the Chiefs can match virtually any offer.

The truth is that Kansas City has too much cap room to just let the players walk unless it thinks it can get upgrades at those players' positions. Kansas City visited this week with cornerback Stanford Routt -- cut by Oakland last week -- and perhaps is deciding between him and Carr. I wouldn’t be surprised if either Bowe or Carr is franchised.

Either way, Pioli is going to have to get aggressive and perhaps land a big fish or two from the outside. This is a young, intriguing roster that could make a big playoff push in a hurry with the right additions.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

How will the Raiders improve?

It is an exciting time in Oakland as the franchise makes a dramatic move in leadership. Oakland owner Al Davis died at the age of 82 in October. Since then, it has been a whirlwind of change for the Raiders, including the most prominent new faces -- general manager Reggie McKenzie and head coach Dennis Allen. Both are promising young professionals and are primed to put their stamp on this franchise, which hasn’t been to the playoffs in nine years but finished 8-8 the past two seasons.

However, the Raiders will have to get creative in making major improvements, particularly as they pursue some new pieces on defense. As of earlier this week, the Raiders were $11 million over the salary cap and have only fifth- and sixth-round draft picks. Oakland will get under the cap and will likely get a couple of midround compensatory picks, but will face a challenge finding impact players this offseason.

The Raiders’ best bet is create enough cap room to find a starter or two on defense in free agency, keep running back Michael Bush and safety Tyvon Branch (one will likely be franchised) and hope their young talent develops on both sides of the ball.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Will the Chargers be aggressive in free agency?

This is a crucial offseason in San Diego -- and one that will definitely be the most closely scrutinized in the franchise's recent history. Chargers owner Dean Spanos put pressure on himself with his surprising decision to keep both general manager A.J Smith and coach Norv Turner after a second consecutive playoff-less season. Spanos kept both men because he thinks they are best able to lead the Chargers to a Super Bowl. However, if San Diego doesn’t make the playoffs in 2012, Spanos -- who is trying to secure the team a new stadium -- will have to jettison the pair and make the wholesale changes next January that he was expected to make this year.

Spanos doesn’t want to put himself in that position, so he must instruct Smith to do what the GM hasn’t done in free agency -- spend big. The Chargers have a good roster, but it can get better, especially on defense. The Chargers' defense needs some impact players, and they must try to get at least one in free agency.

Smith has done a solid job of keeping his own free-agent talent. San Diego has several quality players who are free agents this year, starting with receiver Vincent Jackson. The Chargers could franchise Jackson a second consecutive year, but would likely rather give him a long-term deal. There will be competition for Jackson on the open market, but Jackson would like to stay. Allowing Jackson to walk in this crucial time in San Diego would create more questions and pressure for the Chargers' brass.

In an interview with the team’s website, San Diego Chargers owner Dean Spanos said he believes the offensive line is the team’s biggest area that needs to be addressed in the offseason.

“I think the offensive line would probably be my first concern right now,” Spanos told the site. “The left side of the line with and coming off major injuries, that would be my first concern. And secondly, I really think we need to go look at a potentially big-time pass-rusher/outside linebacker.”

Kris Dielman reportedly wants to return and the Chargers will surely want to keep him. Marcus McNeill will reportedly be released next month. Retaining his replacement, free agent Jared Gaither, may be a priority.

I found it interesting that Spanos mentioned the term “big-time” when talking about pass-rushers. That means he may recognize the team needs to go out and spend in free agency. “Big-time" players don’t come cheaply. Among the best pass-rushers potentially who may be available in free agency are be Mario Williams, Cliff Avril and Robert Mathis.

In other AFC West news:

Former Oakland cornerback Stanford Routt stayed a second day in Kansas City during his visit. It could be significant or it could just be part of the itinerary. Either way, it's clear Kansas City is considering signing Routt and letting Brandon Carr leave as a free agent.

Tampa Bay just cut defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. I do not see him being a priority signing for any team in the division. He has been on four teams in the past four seasons and he played on two teams last season. A lack of production on the field and off-field concerns make him an unattractive option.

There has been plenty of movement in the front office and on coaching staffs in the AFC West in the past several weeks. Two of the seven coaching staffs that changed in the NFL occurred in the AFC West this year.

There are some more additions as staffs round out throughout the division, but the major hirings and firings have been completed. Let’s review:

Denver Broncos

Recap: After going through a lot of change in recent seasons, Denver was pretty calm this year. It hired former Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio to be the defensive coordinator after Dennis Allen went to Oakland as head coach.

Comment: Del Rio is Denver's seventh defensive coordinator in seven years. However, he has coached for coach John Fox before, so there shouldn’t be too much flux.

Kansas City Chiefs

Recap: Interim coach Romeo Crennel, who replaced Todd Haley with three games remaining in the season, was made the permanent head coach. He hired Brian Daboll as the offensive coordinator and Crennel will likely oversee the defense himself.

Comment: The key here is Daboll. Crennel has the defense going in the right direction and he is well-respected by the entire team. Daboll needs to take this potentially strong offense to the next level.

Oakland Raiders

Recap: The Raiders underwent the most change in the division this offseason. The change began sadly when owner Al Davis died in October. After the season, former Raiders’ linebacker and former Green Bay executive Reggie McKenzie was hired as general manager. He quickly fired coach Hue Jackson and replaced him with Allen. He hired Greg Knapp (a former Oakland offensive coordinator) to run the offense and Stanford co-defensive coordinator Jason Tarver to head the defense.

Comment: It’s an exciting time in Oakland with lots of great potential. But there is no question that much of the new leadership is inexperienced in their new roles.

San Diego Chargers

Recap: The big news in San Diego is what didn’t happen. After the Chargers finished 8-8 and out of the playoffs for the second straight season, coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith were expected to be shown the door. But owner Dean Spanos made the surprising move to keep them both. Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky was fired and linebackers coach John Pagano replaced him.

Comment: The pressure is on everyone in San Diego. If the Chargers don’t make the playoffs in 2012, we’ll likely see the type of wholesale changes that occurred in Oakland.

ESPNChicago reports the Raiders won’t interview new Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice until Tuesday. That is an indication that the Raiders are not in a hurry to make a hire. There have been six reported conducted or planned interviews and more could be added to the search.

More than 34 million viewers watched the Patriots’ 45-10 win over Denver on Saturday night. It was the highest-rated late Saturday night divisional game of all time.

San Diego owner Dean Spanos had a chat with Chargers fans Tuesday. He expressed how important fans are to the team in the conference call.

The New York Daily News is reporting former Chiefs coach Todd Haley is not expected to join the Jets staff. He was talking to the Jets and also talked to the Cardinals.

For anyone who is wondering why San Diego ownership took a U-turn and decided to keep coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith after another playoff-less season that was considered do-or-die for both, here’s your answer:

“I’m loving it,” San Diego running back Mike Tolbert said moments after learning that there will be status quo in San Diego in 2012. “I’m a big fan. I love playing for Coach Turner. ... I can’t get enough of this news.”

The support for the San Diego brass inside the locker room was evident when the Chargers dominated the Raiders 38-26 on Sunday in a game the Raiders needed to win to take control of the AFC West a week after the Chargers were eliminated from playoff contention. Many Chargers players have supported Turner, led by passionate support from star quarterback Philip Rivers.

The Chargers’ performance Sunday clearly was the defining factor in San Diego owner Dean Spanos deciding to not make a change. Combined with the players' support, Spanos decided there weren’t better options, and he thinks the Chargers are poised to emerge from a mediocre division to finally fulfill their immense potential. The move surprised many because it had been considered a near certainty that Turner -- and perhaps Smith -- would go if the Chargers didn’t make the playoffs.

It was a courageous decision by Spanos. Many in the San Diego fan base have been clamoring for a change at both coach and general manager. The Chargers have underachieved the past two seasons and didn’t get past the divisional playoff round in the previous two seasons after advancing to the AFC Championship Game in 2007, which was Turner’s first season.

With the Chargers having some trouble selling tickets this season and the team trying to drum up funds for a new downtown stadium, choosing to stick with the unpopular (in the community) Turner and Smith probably will earn Spanos criticism in San Diego.

But he remains steadfast with this group.

“Bottom line, I believe these two men give us the best chance to get back to the playoffs,” Spanos said in a statement. “A.J. Smith is the best man to improve our roster, and Norv Turner is the best man to lead that roster on the field.

“Together, we have stability and experience that’s hard to find in the NFL. They’ve both been in this league a long time. I don’t think there is anything they haven’t seen or experienced. They’ve led us through some difficult situations.”

I think the key here is that Spanos wanted to bring back Turner. He could have fired Turner and kept Smith or he could have kept Turner and fired Smith. The latter scenario wouldn’t have made sense because if a new general manager was brought in, the coach would be a lame duck. So, Turner and Smith will get a chance to further prove themselves together.

It’s not as though these two haven’t been successful in San Diego.

The Chargers have won 88 games and five division tiles in Smith’s nine seasons as general manager. The Chargers won 13 games total in the three years before Smith was promoted. Turner is 52-34 in San Diego. His winning percentage of .605 is the best in team history. The Chargers -- who won four of the final five games this season after losing six straight games -- are 21-3 in December/January under Turner.

Still, no one in San Diego will be happy unless this group gets to the Super Bowl. That has to be the goal now more than ever.

Because Spanos is sticking with Turner and Smith, they all must show the anxious fan base that they are tired of underachieving and they are committed to getting better. Under Smith, the Chargers haven’t been overly active in free agency. That might need to change this year. I’m not saying the Chargers need to spend money on players just to do it. But they need to get better, especially on defense. Spending money on the right players will be necessary.

There must be urgency in San Diego. If the Chargers fail to make the playoffs again in 2012, Spanos will have no choice but to listen to fans and clean house, and he will have to answer why it took so long.

The San Diego Chargers just announced coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith are returning for the 2012 season.

Below is the team’s press release. I will have more on this major story later:

San Diego Chargers Chairman of the Board & President Dean Spanos today officially ended speculation and confirmed that General Manager A.J. Smith and Head Coach Norv Turner will return in 2012.

“Bottom line, I believe these two men give us the best chance to get back to the playoffs,” said Spanos. “A.J. Smith is the best man to improve our roster, and Norv Turner is the best man to lead that roster on the field.

“Together, we have stability and experience that’s hard to find in the NFL. They’ve both been in this league a long time. I don’t think there is anything they haven’t seen or experienced. They’ve led us through some difficult situations.

“As we’ve seen throughout Norv’s tenure and particularly this past season, the players believe in him, respect him and play hard for him. When we went through that tough stretch, no one quit. The team kept playing hard, and that’s a tribute to Norv’s leadership and the respect the players have for him.

“Now we will take a hard look at everything, from player evaluation to coaching to the rash of injuries we’ve suffered in recent years. Injuries have killed us. And no one is ever perfect in this business. Player evaluation isn’t an exact science. We need to improve across the board and I’m going to make sure we do.

“We all have our quirks and faults, but I want A.J. and Norv on my side. They are the right men to help us win a championship.”

During Smith’s nine-year tenure as general manager (2003-11), the Chargers have won 88 games and five AFC West titles. Only three teams (New England, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh) have won more games or division titles during that time. During the three seasons prior to Smith’s appointment, the Chargers struggled to a 13-35 record. Smith’s 91 overall wins in nine seasons rank second in team history among general managers, just one win behind Sid Gilman’s 92 wins in 11 seasons.

Since Turner took over as head coach, he has earned an impressive 52-34 overall record (including 3-3 in the postseason), the highest overall winning percentage in franchise history (.605). Other impressive numbers during Turner’s tenure include San Diego’s record in December/January under Turner (21-3), record after Nov. 1 (32-12), and record versus the AFC West (21-9). Only six teams have won more playoff games during that time and only five teams have made more postseason appearances.

“Despite the number of wins we’ve had, the net bottom line is it doesn’t mean anything unless you win a championship,” Spanos summarized. “That’s our goal and I am committed to winning a Super Bowl for San Diego.”

One of the most intriguing stories in the NFL in this week of change is what the San Diego Chargers will do.

The Chargers could fire both coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith, fire one and keep the other or keep both.

It seemed certain Turner would be fired once the Chargers were eliminated from playoff contention last week -- the second time in two straight seasons San Diego has missed the postseason. Smith’s future, however, was more uncertain.

Yet after the Chargers dominated the Oakland Raiders in Oakland and knocked them out of the playoffs Sunday, there seems to be thought that perhaps both Turner and Smith could be kept. After a six-game losing streak in the middle of the season, the Chargers managed to win four of their final five games and finish with an 8-8 record.

San Diego owner Dean Spanos told the San Diego Union Tribune on Sunday he was impressed by the effort and he’d consider the situation for a couple of days.

CBS Sportsline is reporting that the team may be leaning toward keeping both Turner and Smith. Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union Tribune agrees. I heard similar talk as well. The players, led by quarterback Philip Rivers, are in Turner’s corner.

I think the Chargers believe they have the makings of a good team and would rather keep it together than tear apart their leadership core. But ownership also knows the fan base is antsy because of the recent failures. With the team trying to secure a new stadium in downtown San Diego, fan sentiment means a lot these days.

If Turner and Smith are kept, it will certainly be on a year-to-year basis. To appease the fans, if no chances are made, I would think the Chargers would have to get aggressive this offseason to add some big-name players, especially on defense. Another playoff-less season will not be tolerated.

It seems everything is still on the table in San Diego, but with Black Monday coming to an end, the fact that Turner and Smith are still around, may be working in their favor. If Spanos knew he wanted to make a change for sure, he would have done so already.

Timing is critical because other teams are already getting a jump on candidates. NFL.com reported that former Titans’ coach Jeff Fisher would be interested in the Chargers. He reportedly is already lining up interviews with the Rams and Dolphins. Fisher is one of the best coaching options available. If the Chargers want him, you’d think they’d act quickly.

DENVER -- The Denver Broncos should be embarrassed.

The Oakland Raiders should be ashamed of themselves.

A weird AFC West season ended in fitting fashion as the two teams that had everything to play for were both completely flat at home and were outplayed by two divisional foes that had nothing to play for. The result of the AFC West upheaval is the Denver Broncos, and floundering quarterback Tim Tebow, are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2005. Denver will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card round Sunday at 4:30 p.m. ET.

Denver, Oakland and San Diego all finished at 8-8. The Broncos won the division on the virtue of tiebreakers. Kansas City finished a game behind at 7-9. The Chargers and Chiefs were eliminated from playoff contention last week, but they appeared to be the motivated teams Sunday.

Kansas City stymied Denver in a 7-3 bore in Denver, and the Raiders were lapped 38-26 by the Chargers in a game that ended minutes after Denver's loss. In Denver, small pockets of fans stayed after the disappointing loss to watch the Raiders lose on the big screen. In Oakland, some fans were chanting “Denver lost” in a desperate attempt to let their heroes know they still had a chance to make the playoffs for the first time since 2002. It was to no avail. Now, Oakland is tied for the second-longest playoff drought in the NFL.

After the game Sunday, Oakland coach Hue Jackson was furious at his players and vowed to be more involved in all phases of the organization next year. Of course, that is not his call. Mark Davis will decide how the team is run and the Raiders will likely try to add to the front office.

In Denver, the Broncos had to beat the Chiefs to make the playoffs. Instead, they had to wait for help. It was a bad day overall for Oakland, which saw its wild-card window close because the early games didn’t fall the right way.

Denver, which lost standout guard Chris Kuper to a broken leg, will stumble into the playoffs on a three-game losing streak. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Denver became the eighth team since the merger to enter the playoffs on a three-game losing streak.

Oakland would surely trade spots. The Raiders were in control of the division at 7-4, but they lost four of their final five games, causing pundits nationally to wonder if trading two premium picks for quarterback Carson Palmer in October was worth it.

At this point, it would be a shock if interim Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel is not made the permanent coach. The Chiefs -- led by former Denver quarterback Kyle Orton in the final three games -- went 2-1 under Crennel, which included handing the Packers their only loss this season. The Chiefs nearly won the division for a second straight year. Kansas City’s players love Crennel and general manager Scott Pioli is a longtime fan.

Unlike Crennel, San Diego coach Norv Turner probably didn’t save his job with a win Sunday. The Chargers failed to make the playoffs for the second straight year and it has been expected that Turner will be fired, perhaps along with general manager A.J. Smith.

However, San Diego owner Dean Spanos told the San Diego Union Tribune on Sunday that he was impressed with the win over the Raiders and he will make up his mind in a couple of days. Expect a decision to be made by midweek.

With Denver moving on, Tebow has to wonder how much support he has going into the postseason. After being the story of the NFL for several weeks, Tebow has regressed terribly in the past two games. He was dreadful Sunday. Tebow completed 6 of 22 passes for 60 yards. He is no longer making an impact as a runner. He had just 16 yards on six carries.

His passes are sailing high and he is taking way too much time in his decision-making. Tebow is 30-for-73 for with four interceptions during Denver’s losing skid. He has lost a fumble in the past five games and there was no fourth-quarter magic as Denver, which won four straight games this season when it trailed in the fourth quarter, couldn’t do anything in four series in the final quarter.

Tebow lost a fumble at the Kansas City 11-yard line on Sunday in a play that was crucial to the Chiefs’ win. Denver simply can’t win with Tebow making these types of mistakes.

After the game Sunday, Denver running back Willis McGahee -- who had a tremendous game with 145 yards rushing on 28 carries -- said the Broncos must find an offensive balance against Pittsburgh and the passing game must pick it up.

“[The Chiefs were] playing just for pride and for us to go out there and play the way we did and expect to do anything in the playoffs, it’s not going to cut it,” Denver cornerback Champ Bailey said.

If Tebow continues to regress next week, the Broncos will likely have to consider what they want to do at quarterback. But the bottom line is, he has another week to impress the brass.

Backing into the playoffs does take some of the shine off a turnaround season for Denver. The truth is, Denver is the division champion and no one expected that when 2011 began.