Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune says that a decision by owner Dean Spanos on general manager A.J. Smith could be made by the middle of next week. Acee also reports that Norv Turner will likely be fired regardless of whether Smith is retained or not.

Acee also says that the Rams are waiting to see what the Chargers do, and could pounce on Smith if he is available. Further, Acee links current Monday Night Football color commentator Jon Gruden to Smith if he goes to St. Louis.

The Rams could be an attractive job if they get the top pick (which would require another Colts win). Gruden is angling for another job, and it is just a matter of when and where. Earlier this year, he did say that the Rams would have to take a look at other quarterbacks like Luck or Griffin III if they had a top pick. (I’ve got a post coming later in the week with my thoughts on Sam Bradford after year two).

Of course, Jon Gruden also spent a fair amount of time during the numerous Monday Night broadcasts praising this guy named Philip Rivers, though were not sure if that was TV fluff based on his earlier New Yorker profile. If these leaks are put out tying Gruden to A.J. Smith, and Spanos wants to go after Chucky, then he may retain Smith. Gruden and Rivers in a sideline spat would be pure gold.

Previously: The New Yorker Profiled ESPN’s Jon Gruden

[photo via Getty]