Ortmayer Quits Raiders to Become Chargers’ Football Director

Steve Ortmayer, an assistant coach and executive with the Raiders for nine years, joined the San Diego Chargers Tuesday as director of football operations.

The 42-year-old Ortmayer assumes wide-ranging responsibilities that once belonged to Johnny Sanders, who last month was reassigned to assistant to the president after serving as the Chargers’ general manager.

In announcing Ortmayer’s hiring, Charger owner Alex Spanos said Ortmayer would oversee collegiate and pro scouting, player contract negotiations, and any negotiations with other NFL teams regarding trades and the draft.

Ortmayer also will be responsible for the team’s equipment and its medical and video department.

Ortmayer first went to work for the Raiders in 1978 as head of football operations. He also became the Raiders’ special teams coach in 1979.

Before joining the Raiders, Ortmayer spent three seasons at Kansas City, where he was an assistant coach and worked in pro personnel.