"The Chargers have announced that head coach Norv Turner and General Manager A.J. Smith will return in 2012.

"Bottom line, I believe these two men give us the best chance to get back to the playoffs," club President Dean Spanos said in a statement posted on the team's website. "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."