Ed McGuire
Vice President of Football Operations for the San Diego Chargers

On Friday, July 15, 2005, the students in the San Diego State University Sports Business Management MBA program were pleased to welcome Ed McGuire, Vice President of Football Operations for the San Diego Chargers.

As an alumnus of a sports business program (McGuire holds a degree in Athletics Administration from St. John's University) and a former intern with the now-defunct USFL, Ed McGuire provided students with a familiar perspective as he spoke about his career in professional sports administration. McGuire spoke to the students about his career path thus far and how he rose from the level of intern for a fledgling league to Vice President of an NFL franchise.

"It's not always about the money," McGuire told the students. "It's about doing something you enjoy doing…finding your passion."

McGuire worked in the NFL League Office for seven years as a Player Personnel Analyst and joined the NFL Management Council in 1993, dealing with salary cap and contract issues. Following his work with the NFL, McGuire joined the Chargers in 1998 as Coordinator of Football Operations, and was named the club's Vice President of Football Operations in 2000. As resident "capologist" for the Chargers, McGuire handles the team's negotiations with player agents, and works closely with the team's coach and general manager to determine which players are the best fit for the team's vision.

McGuire answered student questions regarding a range of issues related to both the Chargers and the League in general. He explained the logic behind back-loaded contracts, pro-rated signing bonuses, and broke down how these result in "guaranteed" money for a player. SDSU's Sports Business Management MBA students were pleased to hear from someone with McGuire's expertise.

"Mr. McGuire was incredibly forthcoming in his answers to all of our questions. I was impressed with his candor in expressing his opinion regarding complex salary cap issues, specific player negotiations, and his opinion on the future of the NFL's collective bargaining agreement," said SDSU Sports MBA student Jack Tipton.

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of McGuire's appearance came when he handed students a packet of information detailing the Chargers' signing of superstar LaDainian Tomlinson. Students were given a unique, insider's perspective on the step-by-step process involved in setting a player's value, negotiating a deal, and signing a contract. McGuire stressed that the Tomlinson deal was impacted by many factors, including his existing deal with the club, current market signings, and his value to the team as a leader both on the field and in the community.

SDSU's Sports Business Management MBA students have also heard a presentation from McGuire's Chargers' front office colleague Jim Steeg, the team's Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President. To learn more about Steeg's visit with the class, click here.

SDSU wishes to thank Ed McGuire for sharing his expertise with students, and the Chargers organization for enabling this unique opportunity.