• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Despite Reputation, Chargers Say Cash Won’t Impact Next Hires

  • The Los Angeles Chargers are looking for a new coach and GM.
  • NFL insiders routinely label the team as one of the league’s cheapest.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Chargers’ ownership is pushing back on a widely held perception that the club doesn’t have, or at least isn’t willing to spend, the same amount of money on coaches, front office staff, and team facilities as many of its NFL counterparts.

“I want to know where narratives come from,” John Spanos, the Chargers’ president of football operations, said in his first public comments since firing head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco. (Spanos is the son of Chargers controlling owner Dean Spanos.) 

Heading into last offseason, Sean Payton was rumored to be interested in becoming the Chargers’ coach if there was an opening, but insiders such as ESPN’s Adam Schefter doubted Los Angeles would be willing to pay the price required. Payton ended up signing a contract worth roughly $18 million with the Denver Broncos, potentially four to five times more than the $4 million Staley is believed to have been making. 

In January, former Chargers coach Anthony Lynn took a perceived shot at the team while talking about his new role as an assistant coach with the San Francisco 49ers. 

“This organization will do whatever it takes to win,” he said. “Resources out the [ears]. That was different for me compared to what I was going through in L.A. So it’s just like, man, this is what it’s supposed to be like.”

On Monday, John Spanos pushed back against perceptions of his franchise, specifically mentioning a goal top give Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert “all the resources to help him.” Spanos also claimed there have been no internal discussions about a max salary for a new coach and GM. “I’ve never felt any or seen any limitations because of cash or any other reason,” he said.

The Chargers ranked 25th (out of 32) on Forbes’s 2023 list of NFL team valuations, at $4.15 billion. The team pays $1 in rent annually to play at SoFi Stadium after contributing $200 million (from the league’s G4 stadium financing loan program) to construction of the $5 billion venue owned and operated by Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke, who benefits from the vast majority of that stadium’s revenue.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NBC Made Its NBA Return Feel Big

From the nostalgia to Jordan getting personal, NBC hit the right chords.

The NBA’s $77B Future Starts Tonight 

Seven 2025 NBA All-Stars will miss the start of the season.
Keegan Murray

$20 Million Per Year Becoming New Baseline for NBA Role Players

Christian Braun signed a five-year deal worth $125 million.

TNT Sports Parent WBD Is for Sale As Comcast, Netflix, Paramount Circle

The TNT Sports parent said it has received interest from “multiple parties.”

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.

Financial Behemoth Dodgers Win NL Pennant, Eye History

The biggest spenders would be MLB’s first repeat champion in 25 years.
Jun 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Mercedes driver George Russell (63) and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (12) celebrate their first and third place at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
October 15, 2025

Mercedes F1 Team Rides With Russell, Antonelli Despite Verstappen Link

Russell took the Formula One seat at Mercedes in 2021.
October 16, 2025

For Yankees, It May Be ‘Business As Usual,’ but Title Drought Lingers

GM Brian Cashman says a salary cap is not at the forefront of his mind.
Sponsored

Michelle Wie West: Women’s Sports Doesn’t Need Charity

The LPGA legend on redefining women’s sports and the future of golf.
October 13, 2025

RAJ Sports Withdraws Lawsuit Over Trail Blazers Stake

RAJ Sports had sued the Cherng family, owner of Panda Express.
October 13, 2025

Titans Turnover: Brian Callahan Firing Adds to Pattern of Instability

Tennessee fired coach Brian Callahan six games into his second season.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) throws as quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on during rookie minicamp May 9, 2025, in Berea.
October 9, 2025

Browns Paying $41.6M to 8 QBs, but Only 2 Are on Their..

Cleveland traded Joe Flacco to the Bengals this week.
October 9, 2025

The Yankees’ $319M Roster Flopped. Now Comes the Hard Part: 2026

The MLB club’s current contracts limit its flexibility somewhat for next year.