Forbes ranks Smith as NFL's top GM

Monday, Mar 05, 2007
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

Chargers fans can appreciate A.J. Smith for his keen eye for talent and ability to maintain a talented roster, however now one of the nation’s leading national publications is taking notice as well.

In a recent study done by Forbes Magazine, Smith ranked as the top general manager in the NFL.  Smith placed fourth overall among his counterpart in the four major professional sports leagues in the U.S.

The study factored in the team’s success since the hiring of the subject as well as “payroll containment,” which factored in how much the subjects are able to spend on their team’s players compared to the previous regime. 

Regarding Smith, Forbes wrote, “Draft day has been kind to A.J. Smith. Successful prospects, timely trades and one of the youngest offensive units in football have enabled the Chargers to double their winning percentage, while entirely containing salary expenses under Smith--though having league MVP LaDainian Tomlinson in the backfield hasn't hurt.” 

Since being promoted to his current role in 2003, the Chargers have won two AFC West Championships.  Over the last three years, only two teams in the NFL have had a better record than the Bolts, and no team sent more players to the Pro Bowl this season.  Under his watch, the Chargers have also reworked the contracts of 23 veteran players to maintain stability in the organization. 

Forbes’ Top Ten NFL GM’s (overall rank in study)

1. A.J. Smith, Chargers (4)
2. Marty Hurney, Carolina Panthers (7)
3. Jerry Angelo, Chicago Bears (8)
4. Bill Polian, Indianapolis Colts (9)
5. Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys (13)
6. Carl Peterson, Kansas City Chiefs (16)
7. Rich McKay, Atlanta Falcons (19)
8. Scott Pioli, New England Patriots (20)
9. Randy Mueller, Miami Dolphins (22)
10. Kevin Colbert, Pittsburgh Steelers (24)

Forbes’ Top Ten Overall GM’s

1. Kevin McHale, Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)
2. Jay Feaster, Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
3. Billy King, Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
4. A.J. Smith, San Diego Chargers (NFL)
5. Lou Lamoriello, New Jersey Devils (NHL)
6. Don Waddell, Atlanta Thrashers (NHL)
7. Marty Hurney, Carolina Panthers (NFL)
8. Jerry Angelo, Chicago Bears (NFL)
9. Bill Polian, Indianapolis Colts (NFL)
10. John Paxson, Chicago Bulls (NBA)