San Diego State Aztecs

Lore & Background

The 'Air Coryell' system that defined an era of NFL football was essentially a refined version of what he pioneered at San Diego State. Many players who flashed through the Aztec program or were recruited by Coryell's eye for talent eventually found their way onto the Chargers roster, creating a seamless transition from college to pro within the same city. This created a unique cultural phenomenon where fans in San Diego could trace the evolution of their favorite professional team's identity directly back to the local university's gridiron.

Reader's Guide

Unlike traditional NFL rivalries built on decades of head-to-head games, the Chargers' connection to San Diego State is a story of mentorship and systemic evolution. There are no famous 'games' between an NFL team and a college squad in this context; instead, the rivalry is conceptual, representing the bridge between amateur excellence and professional dominance. The emotional weight lies in Don Coryell's journey. Fans revere him for turning SDSU into a contender before bringing that same explosive offense to the Chargers, creating a dynasty in the late 70s.

Players like Charlie Joiner and Kellen Winslow benefited from this lineage, as the system they mastered was one Coryell had perfected locally. This relationship holds special significance because it highlights how local talent development can shape a franchise's identity. The 'feud' is actually a partnership in history: the Aztecs provided the laboratory, and the Chargers became the global stage for the Air Coryell revolution.

Did You Know?

• Don Coryell coached San Diego State from 1963 to 1975 before becoming the head coach of the Chargers in 1978.
• The 'Air Coryell' offensive system used by the Chargers was heavily influenced by tactics developed at SDSU.
• No official competitive games exist between the NFL Chargers and SDSU Aztecs as they operate in different leagues.