The Air Coryell Revolution

Lore & Background

With Dan Fouts as quarterback, the San Diego Chargers' offense was among the greatest passing offenses in NFL history. The Chargers led the league in passing yards an NFL record six consecutive years from 1978 to 1983 and again in 1985. They also led the league in total yards in offense from 1978 to 1983 and in 1985. Coryell, Fouts, Charlie Joiner, and Kellen Winslow are all inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame from those Charger teams.

Coryell began his NFL career in 1973 following 12 seasons as head coach of San Diego State, and won two consecutive division titles (1974–1975) with the St. Louis Cardinals. He moved to the Chargers and reached the playoffs in four consecutive seasons with three straight division titles (1979–1981). The Chargers in 1979 were the first AFC Western Division champion to run more passing plays (541) than rushing (481). Coryell's Chargers teams led the league in passing in seven of eight years.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame called the Chargers' offenses under Coryell 'one of the most explosive and exciting offenses that ever set foot on an NFL field.' Coryell was the first coach to win more than 100 games at both the collegiate and professional level.

Reader's Guide

The Coryell offense is based on Sid Gillman's offense, requiring the defense to defend the entire field. The passing game relies on timing and rhythm, with receivers in motion to avoid jamming. The offense has no set formations; receivers can line up anywhere. Passes are thrown to a spot before the receiver arrives.

Each receiver has two or three route options depending on coverage. The deep pass is the first option on each play. The offense combines deep and mid-range passing with power running. It uses at least two downfield fast wide receivers, a sturdy pocket quarterback with a strong arm, a strong inside running game, and mid-range passing to a tight end, wide receiver, or back.

The offense introduced the concept of a tight end running wide receiver-type routes with Kellen Winslow in 1980. After acquiring running back Chuck Muncie in 1980, the offense used a single set back with Muncie as the lone running back and a second tight end. Joe Gibbs, the Chargers' offensive coordinator in 1979 and 1980, said that marked 'the evolution of the one-back offense.'

Did You Know?

• Dan Fouts threw for over 4,000 yards in three consecutive seasons (1979, 1980, 1981).
• Mike Martz called Don Coryell 'the father of the modern passing game.'