Don Coryell Hall of Fame NFL

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Don Coryell

Inducted:
2023

Don Coryell NFL Hall of Fame

Player Stats 

Born: 
October 17, 1924
Seattle, Washington, U.S.

Died:
July 1, 2010
La Mesa, California, U.S.

Position: 
Coach

College:
Washington

Don Coryell (1924–2010) was one of the most influential coaches in football history, known for revolutionizing the passing game through his "Air Coryell" offense. Though he never played in the NFL, his coaching brilliance redefined offensive football. As head coach of the St. Louis Cardinals (1973–77) and San Diego Chargers (1978–86), Coryell compiled a 111–83–1 NFL record.

He led the league in passing yards for six consecutive seasons and turned the Chargers into a powerhouse with Dan Fouts, Kellen Winslow, and Charlie Joiner. Before the NFL, he dominated the college ranks at San Diego State, going 104–19–2. His innovations—vertical passing, timing routes, and modern tight end usage—shaped today’s game.

Despite never reaching a Super Bowl, his legacy is cemented by the explosive offenses he engineered and the generations of coaches and players he inspired. Coryell was finally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.

Coryell's Awards and Records

    • AP NFL Coach of the Year (1974)
    • Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame
    • San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team
    • San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team
    • 3× NCAA College Division champion (1966–1968)
    • 3× SCIAC champion (1957–1959)
    • 3× CCAA champion (1962, 1966–1967)
    • 3× PCAA champion (1969–1970, 1972)
    • Pro Football Hall of Fame
    • 2× NFL Coach of the Year (1974 & 1979)
    • Chargers Hall of Fame inductee (1986)
    • College Football Hall of Fame inductee
    • Led NFL in passing yards a record 6 consecutive years (1978–1983,1985)
    • Led NFL in total offense, first downs, and scoring multiple seasons under “Air Coryell”

    NFL Teams

    San Diego State (1961–1972)
    St. Louis Cardinals (1973–1977)
    San Diego Chargers (1978–1986)

    NFL Stats

    Coaching Record:
    114–89–1 (.561)
    Coaching Seasons:
    14 (1973–1986)
    Playoff Record:
    3–6 (.333)
    Division Titles (NFL):
    5 (2 w/ Cardinals, 3 w/ Chargers)
    College Coaching Record:
    104–19–2 (San Diego State)
    Total Combined Wins:
    215 (NFL + NCAA)
    Hall of Fame Induction:
    2023 (Pro Football Hall of Fame)
    Coach of the Year:
    1974 (UPI), 1979 (Sporting News)