It is true. ESPN.com is reporting that the Chargers have fired Marty Schottenheimer from the head coaching position.

What is most surprising to me about this is that they waited this long to do it. Every other head coaching spot has been filled. To do this now is just makes no sense. Perhaps there was an agruement between the Chargers GM and Marty, two guys that don't exactly see eye to eye.

Do the Chargers really think they are going to get a better coach? I mean, before Marty came there the Chargers were horrible, and he turned them into a contender. They went 14-2 this year. 14-2!!! Marty had tough luck in the playoffs, but anyone with half a brain wouldn't fire a 14-2 coach.

Maybe they were just waiting for Bill Parcells to resign so they can get him? Parcells and Cowher are the only guys I can think of who could possibly be a upgrade from Marty. They already lost both coordinators, as Phillips took the Dallas job, and Cameron took the Miami job.

According to Yahoo, the Chargers president sited a "dysfunctional situation" between Marty and GM A.J. Smith, two guys who have never seen eye to eye.

Apprently, the loss of the core of the coaching staff is a big part of this. As you likely know, Wade Phillips, the former defensive coordinator, is now the Cowboys' head coach. Meanwhile, the former offensive coordinator, Cam Cameron, is the head coach of the Dolphins.

Not only that, but the Chargers tight ends coach and linebackers coach both took better jobs at different teams. Apprently, the debate over who the new members pf the staff cause more dysfunction between Smith and Marty.

So obviously in this feud, the owner thought that he had to get rid of one. Marty, I suppose is easier to make the scapegoat. He can't get a head coaching job now that the other spots are filled.

14-2, and you lose your job. It doesn't get tougher then that.

Seeing this, a lot of scenarios have aroze. First, seeing how Marty was treated even after great success, many coaches may not want to coach there just because of lack of job secruity. But of course, this team is good enough to win it all, and what coach wouldn't want a Super Bowl ring?

A lot of names have already been thrown around here at FanIQ for the next head coach. Here are some of them.

Bill Parcells. At the end of the season, Parcells looked very tired and seemed serious about retirement. But Parcells came to Dallas in the first place because he was hungry for the ring. Maybe that hunger will lead him to San Diego?

Bill Cowher. Cowher seems very content about taking this year off. However I highly doubt Cowher thought an opportunity this huge would ever come up. If the Chargers give him the offer you can't refuse...

Pete Carroll. USC is in the midst of a lot of scandals. The Reggie Bush ordeal, as well as the recent recuiting controversy. Plus, San Diego isn't very far away from SoCal where he is now. He didn't want to leave a great college job for a bad pro job, but the Chargers team is great. Maybe he will be tempted?

Nick Saban. This is mainly meant as a joke, but who knows from the King of Flip Flop.

Ron Rivera. He did a great job with the Bears defense, but just couldn't get a job as a head coach. I'm sure he wants it, but do they want HIM?


Considering this move, I highly doubt they will take someone without serious credientials. You really can't just hire some no name to take over after what just happened.

Well, now we at least have something to talk about in this useless month. Schottenheimer gone...wow.