Schottenheimer out with loss? Don't be surprised

So much for 14-2.

Is it possible that coach Marty Schottenheimer could be fired if the San Diego Chargers lose to the New England Patriots in the divisional playoffs on Sunday? Probably.

The Chargers closed the season with 10 straight wins and finished with a league-best 14-2 record. But the only record being talked about this week is 5-12. That's Schottenheimer's playoff mark.

A loss to the three-time Super Bowl champion New England Patriots would be nothing to be embarrassed about. But it could spell the end for Schottenheimer.

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith has done a brilliant job adding to the foundation that was built by John Butler -- the previous GM who died of lung cancer in April 2003. But Smith doesn't get along with Schottenheimer, who has a year left on his contract.

So if the Chargers lose at home this Sunday or the following week in the AFC Championship Game, Smith may decide Schottenheimer is not the coach that can get the team to the Super Bowl. And Schottenheimer never has been to one even if he has more regular-season wins than the likes of Joe Gibbs, Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick and Mike Shanahan.

It's a perfect out for Smith. Schottenheimer will probably look for an extension, but that will not sit well with the fan base if the Chargers flop in the playoffs.

Plus, the Chargers are in danger of losing offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, who is a candidate for the four coaching job openings in the NFL. To maintain continuity with an offense that averaged a league-high 30.8 points per game, Smith may promote Cameron and fire Schottenheimer.

It's also possible that defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, a good friend of Smith, may be promoted to coach. That probably will not please the fan base if the Chargers end up losing Cameron, Now if Smith makes no move with Schottenheimer, that would make the coach a lame duck in 2007. Do not count on Smith offering Schottenheimer an extension if the Chargers fail to make the Super Bowl.

So if the Chargers lose this weekend or next weekend, look for Cameron or Phillips to get the coaching job. Where does that leave Schottenheimer? How about Miami, which has not made the playoffs since 2001.

Don Shula serves as a consultant for Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga and is a close friend of Schottenheimer, who leads all active coaches with 200 regular-season wins.

Schottenheimer got 14 of those wins this season. It will not mean a thing if the Chargers are not playing in Super Bowl XLI next month.