Chargers mourn loss of winningest GM in franchise history

“Belying a tough, matter of fact and no nonsense persona — one synonymous with that of a true football guy — was AJ’s softer side which included a tremendous love for his family, the NFL and the Chargers,” Chargers owner Dean Spanos said in a statement. “The architect of one of the greatest chapters in franchise history, A.J. made everyone around him better with a singular focus and intensity that elevated our organization.”

Smith served as steward during team’s most successful period

Smith, 75, had been the general manager of the Chargers from 2003 through 2012, and that was one of the most successful periods in team history. The Chargers made the playoffs five times in that 10-year span, including four times in a row from 2006 through 2009. He was the winningest general manager in the history of the franchise.

Throughout his tenure at the helm of the San Diego Chargers, the team was loaded with talent on the sidelines and on the field. Marty Schottenheimer coached the Chargers through the 2006 season and Norv Turner took over that position the following season and served as the team’s sideline leader through 2012.

Drew Brees served as the team’s QB1 through 2005 and Philip Rivers moved into that spot and stayed through the rest of Smith’s tenure. In addition to the high-level play at the quarterback position, the Chargers also had LaDainian Tomlinson at running back through the majority of the Smith era.

The Chargers also had skilled receivers like tight end Antonio Gates as well as wideouts David Boston and Vincent Jackson while Smith was the team’s general manager.

Chargers 2007 season was memorable

The Chargers had their best season in the Smith era in 2007. They finished the regular season by winning their last six games and winning the AFC West title with an 11-5 record.

They followed that regular-season success with a 17-6 triumph over the Tennessee Titans in the Wild Card game before going on the road and defeating the Indianapolis Colts 28-24 in the divisional playoff game.

That win earned the Chargers a spot in the AFC title game against the New England Patriots, who went into the game with a 17-0-0 record. Bill Belichick’s Patriots were shooting for the NFL championship and joining the 1972 Miami Dolphins as the only undefeated Super Bowl champions in NFL history.

The Chargers pushed the Patriots hard in that game before falling by a 21-12 margin. The Chargers had pulled within two points at 14-12, but a fourth quarter TD pass from Tom Brady to Wes Welker gave New England its final margin.

In addition to A.J. Smith’s term as the Chargers general manager, he also had a 35-year career in the NFL. He started his tenure with the Chargers as a part-time scout and rose steadily through the ranks until he earned the General Manager position.