During his tenure with the Chargers, Smith was known for his aggressive approach to building a winning team. He made several key acquisitions through the draft and free agency, including quarterback Philip Rivers, running back LaDainian Tomlinson, and linebacker Shawne Merriman.
Under Smith's leadership, the Chargers enjoyed a period of sustained success, making the playoffs five times in six seasons and reaching the AFC Championship Game in 2007. However, the team was unable to win a Super Bowl during Smith's tenure, and he was eventually fired in 2013 after a disappointing season.
Despite this setback, Smith's contributions to the Chargers were widely recognized, and he was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 2019. He remains a respected figure in the NFL and is often consulted by teams and media outlets for his insights on the game.
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