John Spanos Dispels Notions of Chargers’ Thrifty Nature, Vows to Spare No Expense for New Leadership
COSTA MESA, Calif. — Los Angeles Chargers president John Spanos made it clear on Monday that the organization will not hold back in its search for a new head coach and general manager, aiming to dispel any perceptions of thriftiness when it comes to spending for top coaching and executive talent.
The announcement comes in the wake of the Chargers’ decision to fire head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco last week, following a humiliating 63-21 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on “Thursday Night Football.” The defeat was one of the most embarrassing in NFL history, and Spanos acknowledged that it encapsulated the disappointment of three seasons under Staley and 11 seasons of underachievement with Telesco at the helm.
While the specifics of the firings were not discussed, Spanos emphasized that ownership bears ultimate responsibility for the team’s failures. “I think sometimes it’s maybe the misses that help you grow the most — that you can learn from the most,” Spanos said. “And I think we always have to be pushing ourselves as an ownership to get better, to be better.”
Spanos made it clear that the organization’s commitment to winning has not wavered and that they are prepared to provide the necessary resources and support for the next front office and coaching staff. He also dismissed the notion that the Chargers have imposed limitations due to financial constraints, citing previous successful hires as evidence of their competitiveness in the market for top coaching and executive talent.
The Chargers’ next three games are viewed as business as usual by Spanos, with interim coach Giff Smith and director of player personnel Jojo Wooden set to lead the team in facing playoff-hungry opponents. While Spanos declined to comment on whether Smith, Wooden, or any current staffers would be considered for the permanent head coach or general manager positions, he stressed that the search will not be limited in any way.
The Chargers’ openings are expected to be among the most desirable in the current cycle, and Spanos expressed confidence that the organization will learn from past errors and make the right hires this time around. He underlined the team’s sense of urgency in competing for top talent and expressed a commitment to ensuring the new leadership has all the resources needed to succeed.