SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - Chargers fans have been calling for change for more than a year and Monday they got what they wanted.
This season has been marked by come-from-ahead losses, total beat downs and an increasingly discontent fan base.
News 8's Jeff Zevely headed over to Player's Sports Bar in Kearny Mesa, where the talk Monday was all about a coach and general manager:
"It's a good move. I think the team needed a change," said Garrett.
"Oh I think it was necessary," added Derek.
"I'm happy to see them go…couldn't happen to two nicer guys," continued Tony Michaels.
Michaels, a Chargers fan, says ever since the team lost LaDainian Tomlinson, A.J. Smith and Norv Turner failed to fill the void:
"If he's the coach…it would be like the last three years."
Although Norv Turner will always be respected for his offensive mind, many fans feel he's not tough enough to lead an NFL squad.
"Yeah it seems like he gets walked over," said Doug. "I think he's had his shot."
Fans also say it's not just about X's and O's. This move was about an eroding fan base and blackouts.
When it comes to the blame game, many fans feel Turner was thrown to the wolves.
"Norv Turner didn't have Vincent Jackson, he didn't have Darren Sproles. Those two are key," noted one fan.
And, A.J. Smith is being criticized for chasing good players and coaches out of town. Stubborn to the end, the firing of Smith for many fans brings hope.
With a rebuilt offensive line, fans say Philip Rivers may still lead the Chargers to a Super Bowl win.
