The Chargers will retain coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith, according to president Dean Spanos. "I've learned the hard way," Spanos told the San Diego Union-Tribune. "Your GM and coach have to be two individuals who work together. It's very difficult for some teams; I've been through it. I like the working relationship at this level. "We're as disappointed as anyone. But I look to 1996 to 2003, when we couldn't even get (beyond) 8-8. We've turned it around, to where we're a good team and a good organization. There's a lot of continuity, but we're still short. "The easiest thing in the world is to start over. Who the hell do I go hire? Blow the whole thing up? We're a pretty good team, but we have to make the right moves. We've fallen. It could have been our draft picks or our free-agent moves. But we have a good core, and I don't care what anybody says. I'm not afraid to make changes. If I thought it was warranted, I would do it. We have a good foundation here."

San Diego's loss to Cincinnati on Sunday afternoon ended the team's playoff hopes, while doing the opposite for Kansas City. The Chiefs have clinched the AFC West, ending the Chargers' run of four-straight division titles. The loss was only San Diego's second loss in its last 22 games in December.

Chargers running back Mike Tolbert was taken off the field on a stretcher Sunday during the team's disappointing loss to the Bengals. Tolbert took a handoff, put his head down and ran into safety Reggie Nelson's chest in the first quarter on Sunday. He fumbled and remained face-down on the field, motionless, when the play ended. Doctors carefully rolled him over onto a backboard, strapped him down and wheeled him off the field. Tolbert raised his right forearm and gave a thumbs-up to the crowd cheering him.

Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf has inked a deal to write three books for Crimson Oak Publishing. The first book, due next fall, will cover the four years between when Leaf decided to play for Washington State and the school's appearance in the Rose Bowl. Another book "will focus on his inspirational battle with and victory over prescription painkillers and the demons of self-doubt that haunted him since his once-promising pro career came undone at age 26," the publishers said in a release. Leaf will write a third book -- "a broader biography" -- about living life in the public eye that will include his time with the Chargers. He was drafted No. 2 behind Peyton Manning in the 1998 NFL Draft and is considered one of the biggest draft busts in sports history.

The San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting that the Chargers are thinking about placing their franchise tag on Vincent Jackson. There is almost no way they'll sign him to a long-term deal, but they'll consider the tag if it remains part of the NFL's next collective bargaining agreement. Jackson is reportedly seeking a five-year, $50 million deal. The Chargers view him as a risk because of his arrests for DUIs and driving with a suspended license. More off-field trouble could lead to a suspension by the league. He has played in just three games this season after a lengthy holdout. He has seven receptions for 141 yards and three touchdowns.

The Chargers have opened contract talks with Mike Tolbert, as the team would like to continue its two-running back system. According to people close to the situation, the Chargers have not made an offer. Tolbert would still be a restricted free agent after this season under the current labor agreement, and most in the league expect that to still be the case under a new collective bargaining agreement.

The Raiders didn't just sweep the season series from the Chargers for the first time since 2001 on Sunday, they also ended a historic run. San Diego had won their last 18 games in December, tying an NFL record for the most consecutive wins in a single month. The Chargers last lost in the month on Dec. 31, 2005.

The Chargers got some good news Friday when tight end Antonio Gates, running back Mike Tolbert and wide receiver Malcolm Floyd all practiced. "It's nice to get them out here and get them the reps that we emphasize on Friday," coach Norv Turner said. "I would love to have them practicing Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, but that is not where we are at right now. But I'm optimistic all three will be able to play." Gates, who missed two of the last three games with a torn plantar fascia in his right foot, will be a game-time decision against the Raiders.

Ryan Mathews practiced for the first time since Nov. 7 on Wednesday. Mike Tolbert, who has been starting for the Chargers in Mathews' absence, sat out on Wednesday.