=== Chargers give Schottenheimer two-year extension ===

San Diego, CA (Betting Express) The San Diego Chargers announced Friday that head coach Marty Schottenheimer has been given a two-year contract extension through the 2007 season. As per team policy, financial terms of the deal were not released.

"I'm extremely pleased and proud of Marty, his staff and the entire organization," said club president Dean Spanos. "They overcame a very difficult 4-12 season in 2003 and turned this franchise around. I'm already looking forward to next season."

Schottenheimer, who became the Chargers' head coach in 2002, helped lead San Diego to a 12-4 record in 2004 and its first AFC West title in 10 years. The Chargers appeared in the postseason for the first time since 1995, but lost their opening round playoff game, 20-17 in overtime to the New York Jets.

"The franchise took a giant step forward this past season," said Schottenheimer. "This success is a product of every person in the organization pulling together in the same direction. I appreciate the opportunity to continue to build on what we've achieved together over the past three years."

Schottenheimer, 61, is 24-24 in three seasons with the Chargers and owns a career mark of 177-177-1 in 19 years as a head coach, which also includes stints with Cleveland, Kansas City and Washington.

However, despite all of his success, Schottenheimer has compiled only a 5-12 postseason record after recently suffering his fifth straight playoff loss dating back to 1993 with Kansas City.