Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Here is an evening look at the Raiders and the Chargers:
Lane Kiffin thanked Raiders owner Al Davis for giving him his first head coaching opportunity. Of course, it was a complete disaster. But it was still coaching experience, Kiffin said. He did take a shot at Davis by calling the Oakland organization "dysfunctional."
In San Diego, general manager A.J. Smith reiterated that coach Norv Turner will return in 2009. Smith did say in an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune that he is embarrassed by the Chargers 4-8 record. This has to be killing Smith, who many around the league thought built a Super Bowl roster.
I spoke with Smith prior to the season and he wouldn't totally buy into the Super Bowl talk. But he was clear in his belief that he thought he had a good team. Now, the Chargers are on the brink of being eliminated from contention in the AFC West.
His comments about Turner Monday will not make Chargers fans happy. Many fans want Turner to be fired because of horribly disappointing season. Yet, Smith is sticking to his guns.
Meanwhile, the Chargers announced that they received an extension to sell out Thursday night's game against Oakland. The team has until 5:15 p.m. PT Tuesday to sell out the game or it will not be shown on local television. The extension was given because of the short week.
The Chargers have sold out 36 straight games but they have gone to the deadline several times this season before finally selling enough tickets to lift the television blackout.
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
