A.J. Smith
| A.J. Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born |
February 28, 1949 United States |
| Occupation | Executive |
Albert J. "A.J." Smith (born February 28, 1949) is a former professional American football executive. Previously, he served as the executive vice president and general manager of the San Diego Chargers in the National Football League.
Smith was a part-time scout, full-time scout, assistant director of scouting, director of scouting and assistant general manager before being promoted to his position with the Chargers.
Smith is a graduate of Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, Rhode Island, where he was a standout on the football and track teams. He was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 2003.
Smith earned a degree in health and physical education from Kentucky Wesleyan College in 1971. In 2005 Smith returned in order to attend a dedication in his honor, during which he received a plaque of commemoration which will be placed in the new A.J. Smith Weight Room inside the Woodward Health and Recreation Center.
After graduating from college, Smith began his career in semi-professional football with the Attleboro Kings of the Eastern Football League as a wide receiver from 1972 to 1974. Smith was given a tryout with the Washington Redskins in 1974, but was never offered a professional contract. Smith was inducted into the American Football Association's Minor/Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
Between 1971 and 1985, Smith taught physical education in the Providence, Rhode Island school system.
Smith was promoted to general manager after then-Chargers GM John Butler died of cancer in 2003. He inherited a team that was 14-34 in its previous three seasons, and had not made the playoffs since 1995. Smith directed the Chargers to five AFC West division titles and eight consecutive seasons without a losing record. San Diego's 7–9 record in 2012 was their first losing season since Smith's first season in 2003. Missing the playoffs for the third straight season, the Chargers fired Smith and head coach Norv Turner the day after the 2012 season ended. Over his tenure, Smith allowed Darren Sproles, Michael Turner and Vincent Jackson to leave the Chargers without finding adequate replacements. The Chargers' offensive line grew weak in 2012. Quarterback Philip Rivers was frequently forced to scramble and was sacked 49 times, contributing to his 22 turnovers—47 over the previous two seasons.
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