A. J. Smith obit

Smith, winningest GM in Chargers' history, dies

 

He was not on the list.

Former Chargers general manager A.J. Smith died Sunday at the age of 75, his family announced.

Smith had been battling prostate cancer for the past seven years, his family said in the announcement, which was released by the Falcons. Smith's son, Kyle, is the Atlanta Falcons' assistant general manager.

During a 35-year career in the NFL, A.J. Smith rose from a part-time scout to general manager of the San Diego Chargers, holding that role from 2003 to 2012. He became the winningest GM in franchise history, as the Chargers won 98 games (including playoffs) during his 10 seasons in the role.

"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 drafted quarterback Eli Manning with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 draft despite Archie Manning's request that he not do so, and then traded Manning's rights to the New York Giants for quarterback Philip Rivers and draft picks that he used to select linebacker Shawne Merriman and kicker Nate Kaeding.

Rivers went on to set Chargers franchise records with 59,271 yards and 397 touchdown passes. Manning, though, won two Super Bowls with the Giants, while Rivers never led the Chargers to a championship.

Smith also signed tight end Antonio Gates as an undrafted free agent in 2003. Gates now holds the Chargers' all-time records for receptions (955), receiving yards (11,841) and touchdown receptions (116).

His signature coaching hire was Norv Turner, who in 2007 replaced Marty Schottenheimer, who was fired despite a 14-2 season in 2006. Schottenheimer was fired by Spanos, who cited a "dysfunctional situation" between the coach and Smith.

Turner went 56-40 in six seasons and, like Schottenheimer, was unable to lead the Chargers to a Super Bowl. He was fired along with Smith in 2012 when the Chargers finished 7-9 -- just the second losing season in Smith's tenure as GM.

After the 2000 season, he joined former Bills executive John Butler in San Diego.

Smith was later promoted to general manager after Butler, then Chargers GM, died of cancer in 2003. He inherited a team that was 14–34 in its previous three seasons, and had not made the playoffs since 1995. Smith directed the Chargers to five AFC West division titles and eight consecutive seasons without a losing record. San Diego's 7–9 record in 2012 was their first losing season since Smith's first season in 2003. Missing the playoffs for the third straight season, the Chargers fired Smith and head coach Norv Turner the day after the 2012 season ended. Over his tenure, Smith allowed Darren Sproles, Michael Turner and Vincent Jackson to leave the Chargers without finding adequate replacements. The Chargers' offensive line grew weak in 2012. Quarterback Philip Rivers was frequently forced to scramble and was sacked 49 times, contributing to his 22 turnovers—47 over the previous two seasons.

Smith is also survived by his wife, Susan; daughter, Andrea; son-in-law, Noah, and three grandchildren.

As a player:

Attleboro Kings (1972–1974)

As a coach:

Cranston West HS (RI) (1971–1976)

Assistant coach

Rhode Island Kings (1976)

Head coach

Rhode Island (1978)

Assistant coach

As an executive:

New York Giants (1977)

Scout

New England Patriots (1978–1980)

Scout

Houston Oilers (1981)

Scout

Chicago Blitz (1983)

Scout

Pittsburgh Maulers (1984)

Scout

San Diego Chargers (1985–1986)

Pro personnel director

Buffalo Bills (1986–1988)

Scout

Buffalo Bills (1989–1992)

Assistant director of college scouting

Buffalo Bills (1993–2000)

Director of pro personnel

San Diego Chargers (2001–2002)

Director of pro personnel/assistant general manager

San Diego Chargers (2003–2012)

General manager

Washington Redskins (2013–2015)

Senior executive/consultant