Chargers Fire Saunders After He Criticized Players

San Diego Chargers coach Al Saunders, who provoked the ire of top management with critical comments about the players he was given to work with, was fired today, the team announced.

“We feel at this time it is necessary to make a change in the head coaching position,” Chargers owner Alex Spanos said. “We wish Al well, and a search for a new successor will begin immediately.”

In a statement, Spanos said director of football operations Steve Ortmayer, who had clashed with Saunders, would coordinate a list of candidates for the coaching job.

“Steve knows what is needed and will be in charge of finding the right person,” Spanos said.

Ortmayer indicated that the assistant coaches on the Chargers staff would remain with the team through the appointment of a new coach.

“A degree of continuity at this point is a definite consideration,” Ortmayer said. “We have coaches on this staff that a new coach would be comfortable with.”

Ortmayer also said no deadline has been set for hiring Saunders’ replacement.

Saunders was not at the team’s offices for comment, a team spokesman said.

Sunday’s Game

According to news reports, Saunders’ fate was sealed before the Chargers’ 24-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. The Chargers won four of their last six games but finished with a 6-10 record.

Saunders was 17-22 since taking over for Don Coryell midway through the 1986 season.

Despite demands by Spanos, Saunders failed to patch up differences with Ortmayer. Spanos also was dismayed by remarks Saunders made before the Nov. 6 game with Los Angeles, in which the coach unfavorably compared his players with the Raiders.