Ortmayer Dismissed by Chargers

The San Diego Chargers announced Monday that Steve Ortmayer, director of football operations since January 1987, will not be offered a contract next season.

“Steve and I met today,” Charger Owner Alex Spanos said. “I want to thank him for the effort he has made to make the Chargers a stronger team. Our meeting was amicable, and we wish him well in future endeavors.”

Ortmayer, 44, could not be reached for comment.

There has been speculation all season that Spanos was considering replacing Ortmayer with Bobby Beathard, former general manager of the Washington Redskins, who left Washington at the conclusion of the 1988 season. Beathard owns a home in Leucadia, Calif.

Ortmayer, director of football operations for the Raiders from 1978 through January of 1987, found both personal success and failure with the Chargers. In 1988, the Chargers’ first pick was Anthony Miller, now one of the top receivers in the AFC. Also drafted in ’88 was tackle David Richards, who has started all 31 games since.

This season’s draft included defensive end Burt Grossman, quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver and running back Marion Butts, all significant contributors.

But if Ortmayer’s draft picks were his strength, trades were his undoing. He gambled in trading for Chip Banks in 1987. Banks is with Indianapolis. He sat out all of last season and was arrested four times on drug charges.

Ortmayer was also responsible for trading All-Pro offensive lineman Jim Lachey to the Raiders for Napoleon McCallum, cut before this season, and offensive lineman John Clay, who likely will not play again because of a neck injury.

Charger Coach Dan Henning expressed regrets at Ortmayer’s dismissal.

“I’m disappointed that Steve won’t be with us,” Henning said.

“I saw him handle the draft as well as it can be handled, and I think we had an outstanding draft. I’ve seen him put a great deal of time and effort into getting things where they ought to be. And I see the progress. But wins and losses are what the perception is always. That’s what we have to do a better job of.”