"As the winds blowing through San Diego seem intent on whisking Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith out of town along with head coach Norv Turner, league sources made it clear this week that Smith will at least be a candidate for other GM jobs expected to open around the league.

Chargers President Dean Spanos, according to those around the team and around the league, feels he has "no choice" but to go in another direction at head coach and that Turner will be fired at season's end.

Sources close to Spanos say the boss is still grappling with whether to fire Smith. But league sources familiar with Spanos' thinking contend the GM will almost certainly be fired due to the owner's concern over the maelstrom that has taken hold of the fan base, essentially demanding the owner lop off the top of his football operation management.

"The decisions are not made," said one team source, "but everything is lined up.""