By: Tyler Ward
It was announced earlier today that legendary head coach, Don Coryell, has passed away. The San Diego Chargers reported that Coryell passed away at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in suburban La Mesa, California. The cause of death was not announced.
Another ex-Charger, Hank Bauer, summed it up great, stating that, "Here's the secret to Don - outside of the X's and O's, his players and his family were the most important things in the world. It had nothing to do with money or fame. It was all about family, team and winning and the game, and respect."
Coryell helped construct the NFL passing game that we know it today. He coached at San Diego State from 1961-72, winning a total of 104 games, only losing 19 of them (along with two ties). San Diego State was the original "Quarterback U", as Coryell coached future NFL quarterbacks such as Brian Sipe, Rod Dowhower, Dennis Shaw, Don Horn, and Jesse Freitas.
He left San Diego State to coach at the next level with the St. Louis Cardinals (now in Arizona). Coryell had Jim Hart penciled in as his starter and the Cardinals won division titles in 1974 and 1975. He was the first coach to compile 100 wins at the NCAA and NFL level. In 14 seasons total as an NFL head coach, Coryell posted a record of 111-83-1.
Coryell came back to the Sunshine State in 1978, getting a job with the San Diego Chargers to become their next leader. He coached the Chargers from 1978-86, while his team set numerous records in the process. He helped guide the Chargers to back-to-back AFC Championship games in the early 80's, but the Chargers failed to make the Super Bowl both times. Coryell assembled an amazing offense, including players like Fouts, Kellen Winslow, and Charlie Joiner, all of whom are in the NFL Hall of Fame. He also had other numerous players like John Jefferson, Wes Chandler, and Hank Bauer, all of which contributed significantly to the team at some point. In 1980, the Chargers had perhaps one of the best offensive seasons in the league's storied legacy. For the first time ever in NFL history, the Chargers had 3 1,000 yards receivers (Winslow, Joiner, and Jefferson). It has only happened four times in the NFL since that season. Fouts also had six consecutive seasons in which he led the league in passing yards, still an NFL record.The Chargers also arguably had their most memorable game ever while Coryell was the head coach. In a playoff game in 1982, the Chargers took on the Miami Dolphins. It was a hot and humid day, as most players became exhausted during the game. San Diego won the game, 41-38, but the players, especially Winslow, were exceedingly tired after the game was over. Kellen Winslow was carried off the field by two teammates after the game was over. Battling extremely humid weather, Winslow still caught 13 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown. He also blocked the potential game winning field goal that could have lost the game for San Diego.
Overall, Coryell's tenure with San Diego was great, but one thing that he was criticized for was not winning "The Big One". He should be in the Hall of Fame, but due to the lack of championships, it haunted his eligibility. Coryell wasn't on the same level as Lombardi or Hank Stram, but he helped rejuvenate a franchise that hadn't had much success. Coryell compiled a 69-56 record in San Diego, but it shouldn't hurt his chances in Hall of Fame voting because he was such a great person, on and off the field. Hopefully, his genius will persuade Hall of Fame voters to finally let him into the place he belongs. He is arguably the best head coach in Chargers history, providing a great offense that has successfully made the game better. Coryell left behind a great legacy and it's now the NFL's duty to carry on Coryell's teachings. The NFL needs more coaches like Coryell because he made it so exciting and it forever changed the game we love so much today. Thanks, Mr. Coryell.
