Smith has to reach verdicts during own trial

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith is at the Senior Bowl practices this week, scouting players in what could be his last NFL draft for the Chargers.

Team president Dean Spanos has made it clear that in retaining Smith, and coach Norv Turner, he expects immediate results next season. After two years of missing the playoffs -- and but one postseason win in four years -- Smith has to have a solid draft.

But it's also clear that Smith has some key verdicts to reach regarding players on the roster. The Chargers have 19 significant free agents and how Smith handles those negotiations and which players he elects to bring back could go a long way in determining if Smith is invited back after the 2012 season.

"There are some tough decisions to be made," said Smith, who has a philosophy to reward his own players with long-term deals instead of bringing in high-priced free agents. "We'll formulate a plan and make some hard choices that we believe will solidify this roster."

The biggest fish for the Chargers to land is Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson. He just finished his third 1,000-yard season in four years as he continually proves to be quarterback Philip Rivers' top down-field target.

"I really do like it here," Jackson said. "I like playing for (coach Norv Turner) and playing with (Rivers), but I honestly have no idea how this is going to play out. After all I've been through over the last few seasons, I won't be surprised by anything."

Smith jacked around Jackson during the 2010 season, although Jackson deserves some of the blame too for not finding common ground in a contract dispute. While it's clear Jackson is a fan of Turner and Rivers, that's not quite the case with Smith and his hard-ball tactics.

Jackson could be slapped with the franchise tag for the second straight year, after making north of $11 million next year. But it would behoove the Chargers, if retaining him, to sign him to a long-term contract to lessen the blow to the salary cap.

Pro Bowl center Nick Hardwick is another key free agent. Clouding his situation is that he is considering retirement, concerned about the toll the game is taking on his body.

"I still have some thinking to do," Hardwick said. "But I can say that I love the guys in this locker room and I believe that I'm really starting to understand how to play this position."

Running back Mike Tolbert, who rushed for a team-high eight touchdowns, and starting defensive tackle Antonio Garay, also figure to be high on the Chargers' wish-list of players to keep under control.

--Coach Norv Turner's staff continues to take shape in what has been a busy, if short, offseason.

Hal Hunter, the team's offensive line coach, has been elevated to offensive coordinator. Hunter was among the staff's unsung stars last season when he resurrected the Chargers' line after it was decimated with injuries.

Hunter is replacing Clarence Shelmon, after the longtime offensive coordinator retired. Hunter will continue to assistant Mike Sullivan on the offensive line.

The Chargers will enter next year's do-or-die season for Turner and general manager A. J. Smith with two new coordinators. Recently, John Pagano was promoted from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator. Pagano fills the void left by Greg Manusky's firing.

While Hunter will be more involved in the offensive strategy, Turner will continue to call plays and be the chief game-planner.

Steve Fairchild was also added to the offensive staff to aid on instant replays and other game-management issues. Fairfield, who was recently at Colorado State, will be the senior offensive assistant.

There remains an opening working with defensive backs as Steve Wilks exited and landed in Carolina. Chris Dishman, an assistant to Wilks last season, is among those expected to interview.

All the changes, maybe, are a result of team president Dean Spanos wanting the coaching staff to have a different look. He was clear that Turner and Smith would be retained for next season - after two years of missing the playoffs - only if they made changes.

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