Don Coryell

Don Coryell

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Birth: Oct. 17, 1924 Seattle King County Washington, USA Death: Jul. 1, 2010 La Mesa San Diego County California, USA

Hall of Fame College Football Coach, Professional Football Coach. Best known for his high-powered passing offense which was referred to as "Air Coryell". He played collegiate football at the University of Washington while earning a bachelor's and master's degree from there. His success as a coach began at Whittier College (1957 to 1959), where he compiled a 23 win 5 loss and 1 tie record. During his tenure at San Diego State University from 1961 to 1972, he compiled a 104 win 19 loss and 2 tie record, and under his guidance the Aztecs clinched two National College Division Championships, and three bowl game victories. In 1973, he joined the professional ranks as head coach of the St. Louis Cardinals (1973 to 1977), bringing his offensive strategy (which was influenced by Hall of Fame coach Sid Gillman) to the NFL, where it became a standard to playbooks throughout the league. During his second season there, he improved their record to 10 wins and 4 losses as they earned a playoff berth, while Coryell received AP Coach of the Year honors for 1974. As head coach of the San Diego Chargers from 1978 to 1986, he produced four consecutive postseason berths (1979 to 1982), including two AFC Championship Game appearances (1980 and 1981). Under Coryell's offense, quarterback Dan Fouts flourished, as he led the league four-times in passing yardage, en route to a Hall of Fame career. Kellen Winslow, Charlie Joiner (also Hall of Fame players), and Pro Bowl receivers Wes Chandler and John Jefferson reaped benefits from the passing game. He retired in 1986 after compiling a 111 win 83 loss 1 tie NFL record. Coryell became the first coach to achieve 100 wins in both the collegiate and professional ranks. He was named to the Chargers Hall of Fame in 1994, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999. (bio by: C.S.)