Former San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith has joined the Redskins’ front office as an adviser, according to a report by the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Smith, who turns 64 on Thursday, has a pre-existing relationship with Redskins general manager Bruce Allen. They worked together in the front office of the USFL’s Chicago Blitz in the early 1980s. Smith tried out for the Redskins as a player in 1974 when Bruce’s father, George, was the head coach. Also, Smith’s son, Kyle, is an area scout for the Redskins.
San Diego fired Smith and head coach Norv Turner on New Year’s Day after the Chargers missed the playoffs for the third straight season. During Smith’s 10 seasons as general manager, the Chargers won five AFC West division titles and had an eight-year streak of winning records.
Redskins coach Mike Shanahan has final say on personnel moves.
