Dean Spanos to focus on Chargers' stadium situation

Believing that the time is right for change, San Diego Chargers owner Dean Spanos is permanently relinquishing day-to-day operations of the team to his sons John and AG, ESPN.com has learned.

Going forward, John, 35, will be president of football operations and AG, 36, will be president of business operations. Each son will have final say over his respective side of the company -- whether it's the hiring and firing of head coaches and general managers or the negotiation of sponsorship deals and setting of ticket prices.

"It's their decision and their time," Dean Spanos said. "If they have to come to me, then why am I doing this? That's what my dad said when he made me president [in 1994]: 'Do what you want.'

"They've both worked in the business since they were in high school, and they've pretty much been running our football and business operations for the last several years. It's their passion and their desire to continue the legacy of this family, and it's really set up perfectly for that right now. When my dad [Alex Spanos] purchased the team in 1984, he said, 'It's something I want to keep in the family forever.' This is the beginning of a transition to the third generation in our family."

Dean Spanos will remain as chairman of the board and oversee the franchise's push for a new stadium, be it in San Diego or Los Angeles.

He began talking earnestly with his sons about a succession plan three or four years ago. What he witnessed in the years thereafter made him believe this is the correct time for change.

"One of the most important things I've seen is that they have the respect of the people they work with, in this organization and at the league office," Dean Spanos said. "They are very confident in what they're doing. They work well with the people in their respective departments, and they work together well. That's very important."

John Spanos spent the past two seasons as executive vice president of football operations, where his duties included representing the team at all league and management council meetings. Before that he worked in every phase of football operations, including scouting, contract negotiations and managing the salary cap.

"The biggest thing I've learned from my dad is the importance of communication in all areas of the football business," John Spanos said. "It's truly a team sport -- and not just on the field. You could argue, of all the team sports, football is the most team-oriented because you've got 11 guys and everybody's job is dependent on someone else. That kind of translates to the front office as well. You have to have all areas of all departments working cohesively. That comes down to communication."

AG Spanos began working on the business side in 2003, when he was named director of marketing programs and business development. He spent five years in that role before being promoted to executive vice president/executive officer. He has been the executive vice president/CEO since July 2011.

"My dad has given me a lot of freedom and wants me to do it my way," AG Spanos said. "I'm sort of pleased with some of the changes we've made the last couple of years."

The team outlined the changes in its media guide, stating of the 2013 season: "In an effort to drive attendance, build a stronger home-field advantage and help minimize local television blackouts, [AG] Spanos rescaled the stadium's ticket prices and lowered the price of nearly 10,000 season seats. It was the second time in three years that he lowered ticket prices."

John will face more scrutiny than AG, because fans are more interested in players and coaches than they are in marketing and sponsorship deals.

"I'm very aware that [scrutiny] comes with the territory," John Spanos said. "If you don't have thick skin, you're in the wrong business. That's something I've learned and accepted."

Said Dean: "I'm really proud of them both. They've earned this, and I know they're going to be successful. Their goal is to win a Super Bowl and a world championship. You've got to love what you're doing, and they love what they're doing."