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Chargers’ legendary coach, Don Coryell passed away Thursday at the age of 85. Coryell, who began his NFL coaching career with the St. Louis Cardinals, played defensive back for the Washington Huskies, but he succeeded as an offensive coach whose innovative offense featured an effective and potent passing attack. His offense in San Diego, led by quarterback Dan Fouts, was known as “Air Coryell” and set numerous NFL records. Air Coryell has been regarded as one of the greatest passing offenses in the history of the National Football League, and rightfully so. The Chargers lead the league in passing yards for an NFL record 6 consecutive seasons. As a head coach, Don Coryell compiled a record of 111-83 and became the first head coach to record over 100 wins at both the professional and collegiate level.
Coryell coached several Hall of Fame players, including Dan Fouts, who credits Coryell for his enshrinement into the Hall of Fame, Charlie Joiner, Kellen Winslow, and Dan Deirdorf. He also coached Fred Dean who was traded to the San Francisco 49ers, where he lead the 49ers to 2 Super Bowls and was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Don Coryell was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as well as the Chargers Hall of Fame, and should have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Rest in Peace, Coach Don Coryell, you will be greatly missed.