Schottenheimer will return but rejects 1-year extension

SAN DIEGO -- Marty Schottenheimer will return as coach of the San Diego Chargers next season, but turned down a one-year extension for 2008 worth $4.5 million.

Three days after the talented Chargers melted down in a 24-21 playoff loss to New England, team president Dean Spanos announced that the embattled coach will be back for the final year of his contact.

Speculation grew following Sunday's loss that Schottenheimer might be fired due in part to the front office's expectations of a Super Bowl run, and to the coach's icy relationship with general manager A.J. Smith.

"I have decided that Marty Schottenheimer is the best person to lead the Chargers in the 2007 season," Spanos said in a statement Wednesday. "General Manager A.J. Smith and I agree on this fundamental point."

Spanos said Schottenheimer was offered a one-year, $4.5 million contract extension, with a $1 million buyout.

"He decided not to accept this extension and I respect his decision," Spanos said.

Schottenheimer, the most successful coach never to reach the Super Bowl, didn't give a specific reason for declining the extension.

"I'm very comfortable with fulfilling the contract I signed several years ago," he said at a news conference.

Spanos and Smith did not attend the news conference.

The Chargers failed to advance in the playoffs despite their NFL-best 14-2 record.

Schottenheimer's career playoff record dropped to 5-13.

Vick has water bottle confiscated at airport

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- For the third time in nine months, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick is making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Vick reluctantly surrendered a water bottle to security at Miami International Airport that smelled like marijuana and contained a substance in a hidden compartment. He was not arrested and was allowed to board an AirTran flight that landed in Atlanta before noon Wednesday.

Miami police said Thursday it could be weeks before a decision is made on whether to file charges against the three-time Pro Bowl player, who this season became the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards.

-- The Associated Press