Johnny Sanders

Johnny Sanders (July 22, 1922 – October 26, 1990) was an American professional football executive in the National Football League (NFL). He was the general manager of the San Diego Chargers for 11 seasons from 1976 until 1986, developing them into a Super Bowl contender. Sanders was a starter on their 1948 squad that went 9–0 and defeated Colorado A&M in the Raisin Bowl. He became their assistant general manager in 1969, while also continuing as the team's chief scout.

Sanders joined the San Diego Chargers in 1975 as owner Gene Klein's assistant for player personnel. Klein promoted him to general manager in 1976 to replace the fired Harland Svare. He rarely spoke publicly while working under Klein, who generally spoke for Chargers' management.

Sanders' notable draft picks included Gary Anderson, James Brooks, Gill Byrd, John Jefferson, Jim Lachey, Leslie O'Neal, Ralf Mojsiejenko, Billy Ray Smith, Lee Williams and Kellen Winslow. Other players he acquired include Rolf Benirschke, Charlie Joiner, Chuck Muncie and Wes Chandler. After a 4–12 season in 1986, new Chargers owner Alex Spanos demoted Sanders. The team had not had a winning record since 1982. In his final year with San Diego in 1987, Sanders was the assistant director of football operations.

After leaving the Chargers, Sanders was unsuccessful in bringing an Arena Football League team to San Diego. He was later an administrative consultant for the San Diego Gulls, who were a first-year franchise in the International Hockey League in 1990.

Personal life Sanders died of apparent heart failure on October 26, 1990, at Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, California. He was 68.