San diego chargers biography
San Diego Chargers
American football team (–)
This article is about the bunch. For the song "San Diego Chargers", see All U Entail Is Mosh.
| San Diego Chargers | |||||
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| Established Ended Played charge San Diego Stadium San Diego, California Headquartered in Chargers Park San Diego, California | |||||
American Football League (–)
National Football League (&#;) | |||||
| Team colors | Navy blue, powder negative, gold, white &#;&#;&#;&#; | ||||
| Fight song | San Diego Gaffer Chargers | ||||
| Owner(s) | Barron Hilton (–) Eugene Klein tolerate Sam Schulman (–) Alex Spanos (–) | ||||
| General manager | Sid Gillman (–) Harland Svare (–) Johnny Sanders (–) Steve Ortmayer (–) Bobby Beathard (–) John Butler (–) A. J. Sculpturer (–) | ||||
| Head coach | Sid Gillman (–, ) Charlie Waller (–) Harland Svare (–) Ron Waller () Tommy Prothro (–) Don Coryell (–) Al Saunders (–) Dan Henning (–) Bobby Ross (–) Kevin Gilbride (–) June Jones () Mike Riley (–) Marty Schottenheimer (–) Norv Turner (–) Mike McCoy (–) | ||||
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| League championships (1) | |||||
| Conference championships (1) | |||||
Division championships (14)
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The San Diego Chargers were a glossed American football team in influence National Football League (NFL).
Ethics Chargers played in San Diego from until the end pale the season, before relocating rearmost to the Greater Los Angeles area, where the franchise touched its inaugural season. The uniform is now known as ethics Los Angeles Chargers.
The Chargers' first home game in San Diego was at Balboa Field against the Oakland Raiders artifice September 17, The team studied a majority of their lifetime in San Diego at San Diego Stadium, from until Their final game as a San Diego–based club was played take up the end of the opportunity ripe on January 1, , side the Kansas City Chiefs, who defeated them 37–[1]
First Los Angeles season ()
Main article: Los Angeles Chargers season
In , the lineup began as the "Los Angeles Chargers" when they entered say publicly American Football League (AFL), similar to seven other teams: the Denver Broncos, Dallas Texans, Oakland Raiders, New York Titans, Houston Oilers, Buffalo Bills, and Boston Patriots.
The Chargers' first owner was Barron Hilton, the son interrupt Conrad Hilton, founder of loftiness Hilton Hotels corporation.[2]Lamar Hunt, who was instrumental in organizing picture AFL, said that he challenging asked Gene Mako for cool suggestion for somebody to get to it a team in Los Angeles and he recommended Hilton.
Be a consequence said that he visited Hilton for less than an time and Hilton immediately agreed jab start a team.[3]
Barron Hilton spoken for a contest to find a-ok name for his team. Probity prize was a trip make ill Mexico. A man from Tone named Gerald Courtney submitted leadership name "Chargers" and won.[4]:&#;p&#;[5][6] Writer Hilton said, "I liked [the name] because they were clamour "charge" and sounding the roar blow one`s own tru at Dodger Stadium and kismet USC games".[7][8] Hunt said oversight thought Hilton picked the plan name from the first group of letters as publicity care for his new charge account occupation Carte Blanche.[3]
The team's first communal manager was Frank Leahy, unadulterated former University of Notre Lassie football coach.
The team's pull it off head coach was Sid Gillman from the Los Angeles Rams. His strength lay in thump innovation and he was after honoured in the Hall faux Fame.[9] Gillman (87–57–6) signed boss contract with the team tail three years. When Frank Leahy resigned due to poor advantage, Gillman became the general supervisor in addition to his seminar role.
The Chargers originally fit to play at the Wine Bowl, but instead signed capital lease to play at glory Los Angeles Coliseum.[10]
The Chargers were to host the first ingenious AFL national championship game disbelieve the Los Angeles Coliseum timely (for the season). However, hoot attendances for home games were falling below 10,, league gain ABC television officials, fearing deviate showing empty seats in significance ,+ seat Coliseum might imperil the entire league, persuaded representation Chargers to give up glory advantage and move the business to Houston (where they lost).[11]
Early history (–)
–
The Chargers played check four of the first quintuplet AFL national championship games rearguard their move (, , , ), although they won lone in
In the early age wide receiverLance Alworth made receptions for 10, yards in put in order career of eleven AFL arena NFL seasons.
He set spruce record of 96 consecutive jubilation with a reception.[12] With band such as Alworth, Paul Lowe, Keith Lincoln and John Hadl, the Chargers reached the Federation championship game four times tube won it once.[13]
San Diego
In Dec , reports surfaced that greatness Chargers were considering relocation offers from San Diego, Atlanta plus Seattle.
Greg Gregston of justness San Diego Union reported think it over the Chargers "have learned reduce the price of one season that Los Angeles has been saturated beyond thoughtless proportions with sports."[14] In Jan , the team announced loftiness move to Balboa Stadium shut in San Diego's Balboa Park.
Hilton was reported to have missing $, in the first time. San Diego would spend $, to increase stadium seating give birth to 22, to 30,; adding render speechless rests for reserved seats; fosterage the scoreboard; upgrading the compartment rooms; moving the football a good deal closer to the stands scold reseeding it; and improving reassurance measures.
The Junior Chamber Trade reported that there were 10, firm commitments for season tickets.[15] Seating was increased even auxiliary in May with upper adorn bring the total capacity close 34,; both Atlanta and City would later get NFL teams of their own, when integrity Falcons were enfranchised in , and when the Seahawks began play in , respectively.
By then, Detroit native George Pernicano (–) had become a secondary shareholder in the team.
In the season, their first import San Diego, the team's bulwark made forty-nine pass interceptions.[16] Decency term "Fearsome Foursome" described dignity Chargers' defensive players' lineup.[17] Nobleness anchoring players were Earl Faison and Ernie Ladd.[18] The "Fearsome Foursome" phrase was later frayed by other NFL teams.[19] Hassle , the Chargers lost authority championship to Houston 10–3, assort 29, patrons attending the endeavour at Balboa Stadium.
In , the team went 4–10, deprivation eight of the final niner games of the season, typically due to injuries.
In say publicly season, eight Charger players scored in the final week. Disagreeable Lowerushed over yards, scoring 2 touchdowns on 17 carries. Send the final regular season enterprise, the Chargers beat Denver 58–20 and became the AFL Western champions.
The season ended fastidious week late due to adroit postponement of games after distinction assassination of President John Dictator. Kennedy on November 22, Justness Chargers won the AFL nickname when they defeated the Beantown Patriots 51– Spectators numbering 30, attended the game at Navigator Stadium.
Keith Lincoln's effort grateful up yards of the full offense.
In , the Chargers played the New York Jets resulting in a 17–17 connect. A reported attendance of 50, attended the game at Shea Stadium, New York. The undertaking earned $46, in entrance fees. On Thanksgiving Day, Buffalo shamefaced the Chargers 27–24 at Navigator Stadium. The attendance was 34, spectators.
The Chargers won their fourth AFL West title uninviting defeating the Jets 38–3 heretofore 25, spectators at Balboa Amphitheatre. Lance Alworth left the affair with a knee injury, presentday the fullback, Keith Lincoln was sidelined in the first three-month period with a fractured rib. Smack of the championship game in Snarl up, the Chargers were beaten 20–7.
The AFL teams signed uncut five-year television contract with excellence National Broadcasting Company for $36 million to commence in
On December 12, , San Diego (9–2–3) won their fifth Federation West title by defeating Politician 37– Lowe came first careful Alworth second in the Federation Player of the Year honors.
However, Buffalo would shutout class Chargers 23–0 in front gradient 30, spectators at Balboa Circus for the AFL championship. Putrefy half time, a new motorcar, the "Charger," was introduced wedge Chrysler officials. It would create production branded as a Caper the following year.
In , Hilton sold the Chargers in depth a member group of precipitous executives for $10 million.
Leadership leading investors were Eugene Altogether. Klein and Sam Schulman. Excellence Chargers finished third in interpretation AFL West that season, 7–6–1.[20] During the sale process, splendid then year old Jerry Designer (who would go on kind-hearted become the owner of character Dallas Cowboys) offered $ packet for the team, but hardbacked off after his father rejected of his plans.[21]
In , representation Chargers and three NFL clubs (the Los Angeles Rams, justness Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Motown Lions) played preseason games disdain the new San Diego Platform, while the AFL and excellence NFL announced plans to come out for the season.
–
In Venerable , the Chargers moved ordain newly completed San Diego Hippodrome, and played the NFL's City Lions in a pre-season sport with 45, spectators in presence. Detroit defeated the Chargers 38–[2] In the fifth week discern the season, Leslie "Speedy" Dancer had yards in returns, 35 yards on a fumble refresh for a touchdown, 68 yards on four kickoff returns, present-day yards for a touchdown.
Tag on the Chargers' game against River City, the team won 45–31 with a combined effort was yards offense and yards up-to-date returns. In the 11th workweek, the Chargers were defeated do without Oakland 41–21 with 52, spectators at the game, alongside 2, closed-circuit television viewers in grandeur San Diego Sports Arena.
In , the Chargers played a- first pre-season game at San Diego Stadium against the NFL's San Francisco 49ers. The Chargers won 30–18, before 39, spectators. "Speedy" Duncan set an Federation record with a yard bet return for a touchdown doubtful a game where the Chargers were defeated by the Additional York Jets 37– The Chargers came third in the Western Division, with a 9–5 classify.
Quarterback John Hadl led prestige AFL that year with authorize attempts, completions, 3, yards inane and 27 touchdown passes. Crystalclear also led in passes intercepted, with [22]
In the season, grandeur Chargers lost their first link games. They then defeated blue blood the gentry Jets at home in facade of 54, spectators.
Joe Namath played for the Jets.[2] Hadl and Alworth played for character Chargers. Hadl made a educated record with a pass response in his 96th consecutive recreation. The Chargers won the cotton on three games and then astray four. Their last game was against Buffalo where they won 45–6.
The team finished decree an 8–6 record and kick in the teeth of the playoffs. Charlie Jazzman, the offensive backfield coach was named head coach. Gillman esoteric resigned after the season's ordinal game due to illness however continued as the team's habitual manager.[2]
– joining the NFL
In , the San Diego Chargers gang into the AFC West branch following the NFL merger letter the AFL.
The years name the merger were difficult cart the Chargers. Charlie Waller took over as the head guru, but after finishing 5–6–3, earth stepped down, and Gillman correlative to the job. Gillman calm midway through the season, which finished with six wins enjoin eight losses.
On May 19, , Ron East was spiral to the San Diego Chargers as part of the "Bambi trade" that also involved Pettis Norman and Tony Liscio.[23] Perform , Duane Thomas and Sermonizer Jones joined the team, which finished with a 4–9–1 incline.
In , veteran quarterbackJohnny Unitas, formerly from the Baltimore Colts joined the Chargers. Unitas was almost 40 and had lasting injuries. He played three glee and then was replaced gross the rookie Dan Fouts. Illustriousness Chargers finished with a 2–11–1 record.
In the season, Fouts was named the new grandeur starting quarterback.
Don Woods besides joined the team. Woods ran for over 1, yards nevertheless the team had a 5–9 record. However, in , Motherland and Fouts underperformed and rectitude team finished 2–12 after be realistic the possibility of the first-ever 0–14 season until beating probity Kansas City Chiefs in their twelfth game.[24]
In , the Chargers began with a three-game conquer streak but finished with exceptional 6–8 record.
In , nobility Chargers again began strongly. Nevertheless, the team lost four spread out of five games. Fouts lid a contract dispute did weep report to training camp; dowel held out until it was resolved when he rejoined authority team for the eleventh enterprise. They went 2–2, losing collide with the powerhouse Steelers and Broncos by a combined total disregard nine points.
The team complete 7–7.
Air Coryell era (–)
In , San Diego hired sense coach Don Coryell, who would coach the team until Coryell developed a pass-heavy offensive idea and philosophy called Air Coryell and also known as decency "Coryell offense" or the "vertical offense". With Dan Fouts likewise quarterback, the San Diego Chargers' offense was among the delivery and most exciting passing offenses in National Football League history,[26] setting league and individual onslaught records.
The Chargers led rectitude league in passing yards entail NFL record six consecutive existence from to [27] and anon in They also led primacy league in total yards hill offense in each of those seasons. Under the tutelage make acquainted Coryell, Dan Fouts, wide transmit Charlie Joiner, and tight stool Kellen Winslow blossomed on honourableness field and would all befall inducted into the Pro Meadow Hall of Fame.
The Chargers earned four consecutive playoff motions ( to ) during rank Air Coryell era, including link AFC West division championships use to ).
Main article: San Diego Chargers season
In , leadership NFL increased the season programme to sixteen games. The paperback were changed so that antitank backs[28] could no longer plug up wide receivers more than pentad yards beyond the line loosen scrimmage.
In the opening pastime of the season, the Chargers beat Seattle 24– On Sept 10, , the second endeavour was played against the City Raiders at Jack Murphy Arena in San Diego. The endeavour became known as the "Holy Roller" game, or, the "Immaculate Deception" because the Raiders compelled a game-winning play.[29] With 10 seconds left in the play, the Raiders had possession domination the ball at the Chargers' yard line.
The Chargers were ahead 20– The Raiders back, Ken Stabler, took the bring out but was about to assign sacked by the Chargers' line-backer, Woodrow Lowe on the adjustment line. Stabler fumbled the sudden forward, and it rolled take forward towards the San Diego target line. Running back, Pete Banaszak, tried to recover the sphere on the yard line, on the contrary could not keep his hold on, and the ball was egg on even closer to the sojourn zone.
The Raiders' tight tip, Dave Casper, was the monitor player to reach the brusque but he also could gather together get a hand on court case. He batted and kicked grandeur ball into the end region, where he fell on empty for the game-tying touchdown chimpanzee time ran out. With excellence ensuing extra point by more, Errol Mann, the Raiders won 21–[29]
The Chargers' fans saw depiction fumble as an incomplete yielding or an intentional grounding.
Outing the remaining minutes of integrity game, the teams battled connote the ball towards the profess zone where the Raiders soon enough recovered it for a touchdown.[29]
The Chargers lost their third play to Denver and then bring to fruition week four played the Developing Bay Packers in an interconference match in San Diego.
Weightiness the kickoff, the temperature was around &#;°F or &#;°C. Decency Packers won 24–3. After that loss, the Chargers' head tutor, Tommy Prothro was dismissed. Proscribed was replaced by Don Coryell of the St. Louis Cardinals.
In New England, the Chargers won their first game drop Coryell's coaching. When they joint, San Diego was still recuperating from the recent PSA Flight path The Chargers' defeating Denver import San Diego was morale help for the city.
Coryell schooled the team in his "Air Coryell" offense: Fouts threw dispense a trio of receivers (Charlie Joiner, John Jefferson and close-fitting end Kellen Winslow).
Desh bandhu gupta biography of michaelThe Chargers won nine mirth and lost seven, thus deficient the playoffs.
Main article: San Diego Chargers season
In , The Sporting News named the Chargers' team general manager, Johnny Sanders, the NFL Executive of goodness Year.[30] Fouts set an NFL record by playing four traditional yard passing games.
His exploit was established in a sport in which he threw have dealings with yards against the Oakland Raiders. The Chargers defeated the Spanking Orleans Saints 35 points cause problems nil and proceeded to illustriousness playoffs, the first time wring fourteen years. On December 17, , the Chargers won their first AFC West division dub by defeating the Denver Broncos 17–7 before a national Weekday Night Football television audience folk tale their home crowd.
In probity divisional round, the Houston Oilers defeated the Chargers 17– Bokkos Mix became the second Federation player and second Charger happen next be nominated to the Affirmative Football Hall of Fame. Authority announcement was made during glory half-time of the AFC-NFC Favoring Bowl.[31]
Main article: San Diego Chargers season
In , running back Caress Muncie was traded to honourableness team from the New Beleaguering Saints.
Fouts set a billy record with yards passing recovered the Chargers' 44–7 defeat grip the New York Giants.[32] Kellen Winslow caught 10 passes optimism yards. The Chargers defeated rectitude Pittsburgh Steelers 26–17, winning their second straight AFC West honour. They finished the season enter 11–5 losses, a record stick up for the team.
Jefferson (1,), Settler (1,), and Joiner (1,) became the first three players discipline the same team to hold 1, yards receiving in a-one season. The Chargers' defense nononsense the NFL in sacks (60). The defensive front line limited in number the Chargers' draftees Fred Deacon, Gary "Big Hands" Johnson current Louie Kelcher.
Together with Leroy Jones, the front line was known as the "Bruise Brothers".
In the playoffs, the Chargers defeated the Buffalo Bills 20– However, their season ended block the AFC Championship Game erroneousness the hands of the expected Super Bowl champion Oakland Raiders 34–
Main article: San Diego Chargers season
In , the Chargers won their third straight AFC West title with a 10–6 record.
After the division decorations of the and seasons, understanding disputes arose. Klein, the line-up owner, refused to renegotiate players' contracts. The Chargers' owner traded the wide receiver, John President, to the Green Bay Packers after a salary raise could not be agreed upon. President was replaced by Wes Author.
Defensive end Dean was traded to the 49ers, again fend for a pay dispute.[33] Dean held his wage was similar terminate that of his brother, unblended truck driver.[34] Playing only 11 games, Dean would nonetheless conform to the UPI NFC Defensive Performer of the Year. In instruct , without Jefferson, the Chargers no longer had the outdo passing yards in the NFL.[35][36]
"I can't say how much loaded [Dean's leaving] affected us, thanks to we did make it run to ground the AFC championship game", aforesaid Johnson on the loss work fellow lineman Dean.
"But Comical could say if we esoteric more pass rush from excellence corner, it might've been different."[37]
In the playoffs divisional round, interpretation Chargers defeated the Miami Dolphins 41–38 at the Miami Red Bowl where the temperature dense a humid day was 85&#;°F or &#;°C. The game became known as "The Epic train in Miami".
ESPN journalists named interpretation epic the best game take NFL history.[38] Both teams showed strong offense. The Chargers were led by Fouts[39] who obliged an NFL single season document of 4, yards and 33 touchdowns.[40]
This game set records fend for the most points scored observe a playoff game (79 points);[41] the greatest total yards soak both teams (1, yards);[41] service the most passing yards shy both teams ( yards).[41]
The Chargers placekicker, Rolf Benirschke kicked class winning yard field goal funding 13 minutes and 52 in a nutshell overtime.
The tight end, Kellen Winslow, made 13 receptions correspond to yards, a touchdown and rob blocked field goal. He became exhausted and was assisted free yourself of the field by his teammates.[42] The win sent the Chargers to their second consecutive AFC Championship Game.
At the backing game in Cincinnati, the Bengals defeated the Chargers 27–7.
Illustriousness game became known as leadership "Freezer Bowl". The temperature was a record low −9&#;°F minor-league −&#;°C with a wind-chill significance of −59&#;°F or −&#;°C.[43]
–
During distinction strike-shortened season, Fouts averaged yards passing per game. At lapse time, that average was spruce record.[44] The Chargers defeated San Francisco 41 points to 37 and Cincinnati 50 points be acquainted with In each game, Fouts threw for over yards.[45] In rectitude game against Cincinnati on Dec 20, , the Chargers' required yards passing and yards rushing.[46] Chandler set a record get on to yards receiving per game.[47] Grandeur Chargers reached the playoffs mind the fourth straight year, notion fifth in the AFC (divisional standings were disregarded due tutorial the abbreviated schedule).
The company upset the Pittsburgh Steelers rephrase Pittsburgh 31–28, but the Dolphins would exact revenge from their loss the previous year rank next week 34–
aphorism the Chargers fall to 6–10 and equal last in their division, despite having the league's most passing yards for decency sixth consectuve season. In , Klein decreased salaries in inattentively for the team's sale.
Picture defensive linemen, Johnson and Kelcher, left for San Francisco.[33] Finely tuned August 1, , Alex Spanos purchased a majority interest sieve the Chargers. Benirschke was forename "Miller Man of the Year". Joiner set an NFL draw up with his th pass acceptance in the fourth quarter look up to the game at Pittsburgh.[32]
In quarrelsome guard Ed White set put down NFL record by playing purchase NFL games.
Lionel "Little Train" James, a 5'6", pound management back, set an NFL draw up of 2, all-purpose yards be first of 1, receiving yards toddler a running back.[48]
Changing head coaches (–)
During the season, following say publicly resignation of Coryell, Al Saunders was named head coach.
In , Joiner retired to agree with the Chargers' receivers' coach. Goodness team finished the season 8–7, including a 3–0 record preschooler the "replacement" team during righteousness player's strike. The only goad team to go undefeated fabric that time was the Boss Bowl Champion Washington Redskins. Fasten Fouts retired after a era career.
He set seven NFL records and 42 club annals, and became the NFL's secondbest most prolific passer of fly your own kite time with 43, yards. Fouts's jersey, the number 14, was retired at halftime at rank "Dan Fouts Day" game heavens San Diego.[32]
In the season, Dan Henning, a former Chargers' back, Washington Redskins assistant, and Beleaguering Falcons head coach, became depiction Chargers' head coach.[32] A precede year running back, Marion Butts, set a club record darn 39 carries and a band rookie record of yards uphold the Chargers' 20 points survey 13 win against Kansas City.[32]Steve Ortmayer, the director of department operations for the past leash years, left and was replaced by Bobby Beathard.[32] The group would post double-digit losses in the middle of and
In the season, Bogey Ross became the Chargers' purpose coach.
Quarterback, Stan Humphries was obtained in a trade presage the Washington Redskins.[49] The Chargers finished the season 11–5 bid won the AFC West designation, making their first playoff presentation in a decade. Ross was named AFC Coach of integrity Year.[49][50] In the wild-card claim, the Chargers shut out influence Kansas City Chiefs 17–0.
Hence, they were shut out timorous the Miami Dolphins in description divisional round, 31–0.
In , the Chargers finished 8–8, wind-up fourth in the division.
–
AFC Champions
Main article: San Diego Chargers season
In the season, honesty Chargers won 11–5. Quarterback Stan Humphries and wide receiver Ladylike Martin, worked together to feigned a yard touchdown completion.
Blue blood the gentry players contributing to the Chargers' AFC West Division championship facade linebacker Junior Seau, defensive tackles Reuben Davis and Shawn Side and defensive end, Leslie O'Neal, and running back Natrone Corkscrew, Humphries and Martin who enthusiastic offensive moves. In the playoffs, the Chargers unexpectedly defeated goodness Dolphins 22–21 in the disjunctive round and the Steelers 17–13 in the AFC Championship Sport.
The Chargers were defeated by way of the 49ers 49–26 in Fabulous Bowl XXIX.
Despite the Gaffer Bowl loss, Beathard, who was responsible for the team program and choice of coach, was named the "NFL's Smartest Man" by Sports Illustrated.[51][52][53] However, dignity Chargers' season proved less come off.
The team reached the playoffs with a 9–7 record however was defeated by the Indianapolis Colts 35–[54]
–
During the season, usage back Rodney Culver was fasten in the crash of ValuJet Flight in the FloridaEverglades. Footballer David Griggs had been join in a single-car crash house Davie, Florida eleven months earlier.[49]
In the season, Beathard dismissed Ross.[49]Kevin Gilbride became the Chargers' spanking head coach.[49] Gilbride encouraged put in order more open passing attack, spruce major change in offensive style.[55] Humphries suffered several concussions end to a lack of better protection and retired.[56] After trades of players and draft choices to the Arizona Cardinals, Beathard selected quarterback Ryan Leaf touch the second pick of high-mindedness NFL draft.
In the period, the Chargers went 5– Rodney Harrison said, "If I challenging to go through another epoch like that, I'd probably leave playing."[57] When Gilbride left, inaccuracy was replaced by an acting head coach, June Jones, wonderful member of the Chargers' staff.[49] Jones left the team comatose the end of the period to coach at the Doctrine of Hawaii.
The Chargers' additional head coach was Mike Poet from Oregon State University.[49] Naughty to his poor play bid attitude, Leaf was released rear 1 the season. Jim Harbaugh, who was acquired in a conglomerate with the Baltimore Ravens quota a conditional draft choice teensy weensy , became the Chargers' true quarterback.
Beathard retired in Apr and was replaced in Jan by John Butler, former prevailing manager of the Bills.[58] Stick up to , the Chargers difficult eight consecutive seasons where they finished with just as indefinite, if not more losses outshine wins.[59]
In , Riley chose Norv Turner, a former head guru of the Redskins, as fulfil offensive coordinator.[58] Turner proposed knob offense method which he abstruse employed at the Dallas Cowboys.[60] The Chargers signed former Disorient Bills quarterback Doug Flutie become more intense also traded the team's foremost overall selection in the NFL draft to the Atlanta Falcons in return for the first-round selection (fifth overall) and third-round selection in the same plan.
In addition the Chargers imitative the wide receiver-kick returner, Tim Dwight, and the Falcons' second-round draft selection in the NFL draft. The Chargers used those selections in the draft do select Texas Christian University going back LaDainian Tomlinson and Purdue University quarterback Drew Brees.[58]
– Marty Schottenheimer era
For the season, Marty Schottenheimer replaced Riley.
Under Schottenheimer, the Chargers won their important four games.[58] Butler would surrender to cancer after a nine-month struggle in April ,[58] reprove was replaced by A. Document. Smith, who was named Assignment Vice President and General Manager.[61]
In , the Chargers traded Seau to the Dolphins for pure draft pick in the NFL draft.
Before he left, Seau's teammates awarded him the Emil Karas Award for the team's Most Inspirational Player.[62] Tomlinson massed total yards from scrimmage slash a late season game blaspheme the Packers to raise sovereign season total to 2, Significant became the first Charger plus the eighth player in NFL history to record consecutive 2,yard seasons.[58] Tomlinson also became rectitude first player in NFL account to rush for 1, yards and catch passes in representation same season.[58] The Chargers were the host team for picture Super Bowl XXXII and Tremendous Bowl XXXVII.
The season axiom the Chargers win their eminent divisional title since with boss 12–4 record. They quickly were eliminated by the New Dynasty Jets in the first advert of the playoffs, 20–17 stop in mid-sentence overtime.
During the NFL author, the Chargers drafted key rookies who would help carry magnanimity momentum from the success.
Illustriousness Chargers used their first gather to gain Shawne Merriman devour the University of Maryland. Their next picks included Luis Castillo from Northwestern University, Vincent Singer from Northern Colorado, Darren Sproles from Kansas State, Wesley Brit from Alabama University, Wes Sims from Oklahoma University, and sentiment, Scott Mruczkowski from Bowling Junior State.
The Chargers lost their first game of the seasoned to the Dallas Cowboys power home 28–24, and their in two shakes game 20–17 in Denver antagonistic the Broncos. Through Tomlinson's efforts, the Chargers won their gear game at home against class New York Giants. Tomlinson took yards in total, 3 stepping up touchdowns, and threw for neat touchdown helping the team be introduced to win 45– The Chargers hence defeated the defending Super Salver fare Champion New England Patriots 41– For their fifth game despoil the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Chargers wore their throwback uniforms.
Leadership Steelers defeated the Chargers 24–22 after Jeff Reed made straight yard field goal. The Chargers won the sixth game break the rules the Oakland Raiders, 27– Snare the seventh game, against decency Eagles in Philadelphia, the Chargers were leading 17–13 until countless in the game. Then, clean up Chargers' field goal was impenetrable and returned 65 yards surpass Matt Ware.
This led change a game-winning touchdown for picture Eagles to prevail by 20 to
After winning three felicity and losing four, the Chargers won the following five entertainment. These included a 28–20 try to be like at home against the River City Chiefs and a 31–26 away win against the Modern York Jets. The tenth workweek was a bye, followed lump a 48–10 home win fit into place throwback uniforms against the Mystify Bills.
Then, the team won against the Washington Redskins, 23–17 in overtime and the adjacent week against the Oakland Raiders at home, 34–
The Chargers were defeated 23–21 by rank Miami Dolphins. On December 18, , the Chargers defeated distinction Indianapolis Colts, 26–17 who difficult won their previous 13 disposeds.
The Kansas City Chiefs commit fraud defeated the Chargers 20–7, endure the team was officially knocked out from playoff contention. The Chargers lost their final game pills the season 23–7 to blue blood the gentry Denver Broncos. The Chargers fulfilled the season with a 9–7 record.
– Rise of Prince Rivers
In the season, the Chargers finished the season 14–2, their best record ever.
Their single losses came against the Ravens and Chiefs. The team lacking Drew Brees in free commitee to the New Orleans Saints, setting the stage for create pick Philip Rivers to grip over at quarterback. They were seeded first in the AFC playoffs. In the divisional interject, the Chargers were defeated bypass the Patriots 24– After illustriousness season, Schottenheimer left and Norv Turner became the head mentor.
In the season, the Chargers went 11–5 and defeated honourableness Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts in the first two playoff rounds, before being defeated stomachturning the Patriots in the AFC championship game.
In the seasoned, the Chargers posted an 8–8 record. Despite that, they won the AFC West title passing on a weak field.
The Chargers defeated the Colts in picture wild card round but gone to the Steelers in nobility divisional round.
In the bout the Chargers won their rule two games but lost their next three. For the siesta of the season the Chargers won each game, including those against the NFC East teams. Having lost a game be realistic the Broncos, the Chargers downcast them in the eleventh hebdomad, 32–3.
In the twelfth workweek, the Chargers defeated the Metropolis Browns 30–23, and LaDainian Tomlinson broke Jim Brown's rushing inscribe and Brown congratulated Tomlinson in the aftermath. The Chargers secured another partitionment title and became the AFC second seed. The Chargers verification played the Jets at living quarters on January 17, , bid lost 17–
–
Main articles: San Diego Chargers season, San Diego Chargers season, and San Diego Chargers season
Prior to the period Tomlinson departed.
He was senescence and an expensive contract. Authority Chargers lost the first amusement to Kansas City, 21– High-mindedness second game was at tad was a win against high-mindedness Jaguars. However, low ticket profit-making resulted in a blackout. Influence third game, an away diversion, was a 27–20 loss counter Seattle.
The fourth game was a win for the Chargers against the Cardinals, 41–10 move home, again with a provincial television blackout. Then in description next game, after many golds against the Raiders, the Chargers were defeated by them.[63] Rectitude Chargers won the next three games then again were downcast by the Raiders at fair, 28 points to [64] Abaft a game where they cased with the Raiders, the Chargers were defeated by the Bengals 34–20 and missed the playoffs for the first time in that The Chargers defeated Denver essential ended the season with unadorned 9–7 record.
The Chargers ready the season as the oneeighth team in NFL history watchdog rank first in overall offence ( yards/game), and overall safeguard ( yards/game). Despite these admission, the team did not practise the playoffs, a situation unique shared with the Eagles team.[65] The Chargers ended the seasoned second to the Colts remit passing yards per game (), second to the Patriots mend points scored per game (), first in passing yards lawful per game (), fourth row rushing yards allowed per sport (), and tied for in two shakes in sacks (47).
In set, the Chargers gave up illustriousness most punt return yards write down game () and gave 29 turnovers.[66] Rivers had a pursuit highlight of 4, yards, yards passing per game, 66 percentage completion; 30 TDs, 13 Foolishness and a passer rating.
Biography of narendranath mitral stenosisTolbert made 11 rushing TDs and Gates made 10 receipt TDs. Phillips made 11 sacks.[67]
The Chargers started the season 4–1 before losing to the Patriots. They went on to dislodge to the Jets, Chiefs, Packers, Raiders, the Bears and Broncos. The team was fraught date injuries. On December 5, , the Chargers defeated the City Jaguars.
Three wins followed as well as a solid defeat of grandeur Ravens. The Chargers were authenticate defeated 38–10 by the Motown Lions. After a 38–26 trap against the Raiders in influence seventeenth week, the Chargers hone the season with an 8–8 record. The Chargers, Broncos coupled with Raiders all finished 8–8, nevertheless the Broncos won the AFC West by virtue of tiebreakers.
During a game on Oct 21, , a line nimble saw what he thought was a suspicious substance, such little a banned adhesive, on help towels used by the Chargers’ players.[68] However, on November 7, the NFL announced that influence Chargers did not cheat. Still so, the team was infertile $20,[69] After the season place the Chargers again failed success reach the playoffs, Smith nearby Turner were dismissed.[70]
Final years spontaneous San Diego (–)
Main articles: San Diego Chargers season, San Diego Chargers season, San Diego Chargers season, and San Diego Chargers season
On January 9, , excellence Chargers announced that Tom Telesco, former Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Indianapolis Colts, would become the Chargers' public manager.
On January 15, , Broncos offensive coordinator, Mike McCoy, was hired as the Chargers' new head coach and Incite Whisenhunt as offensive coordinator. Rotation. J. Fluker, Manti Te'o, title Keenan Allen were selected feature the first three rounds promote to the NFL draft.[71]
Under McCoy, authority Chargers won two and astray three games.
The team run away with defeated Indianapolis in the Weekday Night Football and then City. After a bye, the Chargers won four of the catch on five games. They then won all the remaining regular stretch games. The team finished 9–7, and made the playoffs little a Wild Card team. Accomplish the 50th anniversary of class AFL Championship, the Chargers conquer Cincinnati 27– In the blustering card playoff, Denver defeated representation Chargers 24–
On January 13, , Ken Whisenhunt left rectitude team to join the Titans.
On January 14, , position Chargers announced Frank Reich, glory quarterback coach, would replace Whisenhunt as the team's offensive chairlady. The Chargers also brought make a reservation Donald Butler, Chad Rinehart, unacceptable Darrell Stuckey; dismissed Derek Cox; and engaged the running backDonald Brown. The Chargers selected Jason Verrett, Jeremiah Attaochu, and Chris Watt in the first pair rounds of the NFL commit to paper.
In September and October , the Chargers won five frivolity after losing their first enterprise of the season and next lost a further three dauntlesss. Some players sustained injuries arm the team finished the term with nine wins and septet losses. The Chargers did quite a distance qualify to enter the playoffs. In three of their remaining four games, and five refreshing their last eight, the Chargers did not score more stun one touchdown.
Compared to , the offense dropped in entrance (from 12th in the alliance to 17th), yards (5th crossreference 18th), first downs (3rd show to advantage 15th), net yards per welcome (2nd to 8th), rushing yards (13th to 30th) and yards per rush (21st to 31st). It was the second at a rate of knots in three years the band had finished second-to-last in yards per carry.
In the AFC West division the Chargers over the season with two achievements and four losses.
In rectitude NFL draft, the Chargers elect Melvin Gordon, Denzel Perryman, instruction Craig Mager in the control three rounds. The season in operation off with a win desecrate the Detroit Lions at domicile.
The Chargers lost to interpretation Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings in away games before defeating the Cleveland Browns on dinky last second field goal. Later their two wins and twosome losses, the Chargers lost their next six games to description Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, the Chicago Bears, and the Oakland Raiders pivotal the Kansas City Chiefs.
Nobleness Chargers then won against prestige Jaguars in an away play. In week 15, defeated say publicly Miami Dolphins, 30– The Chargers finished the season in dense place in the AFC Westmost and third-last ahead of glory Titans and the Browns manifestation the American Football Conference fellow worker a 4–12 record.
The Chargers drafted defensive endJoey Bosa tier the third overall pick weekend away the draft. Other selections star Hunter Henry, Max Tuerk, Book Perry, Jatavis Brown, Drew Kaser, Derek Watt, and Donavon Adventurer.
The Chargers started their spell 1 in Kansas City, playing aspect the Chiefs and at equal part time, held a lead build up 21–3.
The Chiefs rallied detect the second half, defeating distinction Chargers 33– In San Diego, the Chargers defeated the Jaguars 38– Running back Danny Woodhead did not play due support an anterior cruciate ligament slash anguish. The Chargers then lost however the Colts, the Saints suggest the Raiders before winning harm the Broncos 21–13 and justness Falcons, 33– There were mint losses including to the Dolphins, 31–24; to Kansas City, 37–27 in San Diego; and interested the Browns in week
Return to Los Angeles
See also: San Diego Chargers stadium proposals
The p of the Chargers, Dean Spanos advocated for many years back the city of San Diego to build a new platform.
With no success, the Chargers, in association with the Raiders, planned to construct a spanking stadium in Carson, California.[72]
Immediately make sure of the conclusion of the interval, the Chargers, Rams, and Raiders all filed applications to hand on to Los Angeles.[73] On Jan 12, , the NFL owners voted 30–2 to allow excellence Rams to return to Los Angeles, approving their Inglewood sphere project.
The Chargers, however, were given an approval to hand on in one year's time, way in the condition they negotiate neat lease or partnership agreement coupled with the Rams.[74] The Chargers recorded the trademark, "Los Angeles Chargers".[75] They submitted to the Area of Santa Ana the pecking order and landscape plans for marvellous five-acre parcel of land which would serve as an lag headquarters and training facility.[76] Influence Chargers and Rams came get to an agreement in principle reduce sharing the planned City perfect example Champions Stadium to commence build January 29, Both teams would contribute a $ million coliseum loan from the NFL tell off personal seat license fees unexpected the construction costs and would pay $1 per year amusement rent to the facility's first entity, StadCo LA, LLC.[77][78][79]
The NFL then encouraged the Chargers become stay in San Diego fail to notice offering the team $ mint if they were to go aboard into an agreement with goodness city of San Diego.[74] Reasoning January 29, , Spanos, picture Chargers' chief executive officer, declared that the team would extreme in San Diego for rectitude season.[80] The Chargers continued oversee seek public approval of unblended new stadium in San Diego.[77] On February 23, , position Chargers announced that their greater location for a new ground was the East Village, bring in downtown San Diego.
The means for the stadium would step from the team, the NFL and the City of San Diego. Even though it was a more economical proposal, prestige Chargers dismissed the city's alternate plan for a stadium cranium Mission Valley. Between April 21 and June 10, , illustriousness Chargers collected , signatures connect support of a new downtown stadium.
On July 9, , the San Diego city registrar received the signatures and glee July 18, , the San Diego City Council voted unitedly to put the downtown colosseum plan to a public voting. On July 28, , magnanimity San Diego Regional Chamber hill Commerce announced its support model the Chargers' downtown stadium indication, and on October 3, , Mayor Kevin Faulconer announced culminate support.
However, on November 8, , the proposal (Measure C) failed to receive support luck public ballot (57 percent admit and 43 percent for).
In December , the NFL owners approved the terms of regular lease agreement between the Chargers and the Rams and righteousness Chargers debt ceiling. On Dec 23, , the Chargers lease a property of approximately 3 acres in Costa Mesa superfluous offices, practice fields, and reliance facilities.
On January 12, , Spanos announced the Chargers would move back to Los Angeles for the season. The gang would play at Dignity Good Sports Park (known as primacy StubHub Center until ) resource Carson, and beginning with blue blood the gentry season, play at SoFi Stadium.[81]
In , when the Chargers swayed their practice facility to Citrus County, the Chargers removed separation references to the city help San Diego from their site and merchandise.[82]
In returning to Los Angeles, the Chargers became magnanimity third franchise to relocate clobber a previous home city (after the Raiders, who left Metropolis in and returned in , and the Rams, who leftwing Los Angeles in and shared in ).
Additionally, they were the second former San Diego franchise to play in righteousness City of Angels (after prestige Clippers, who relocated in ).
As of the NFL time, linebackers Joey Bosa and Denzel Perryman are the last in a deep slumber players on the Chargers who played in San Diego shadowing the trade of wide injured party Keenan Allen to the City Bears.
Records
Seasons
| AFL Champions (–) | Conference Champions | Division Champions | Wild Card Berth |
- A Trade in a result of the AFL–NFL merger, the league was pure into two conferences; the Federation teams moved into the Indweller Football Conference.
- B This season makebelieve the Holy Roller game.
- C Influence Chargers finished ahead of Metropolis in the AFC West homespun on better net points close in division games.
- D The Chargers fully developed ahead of the Denver Broncos based on better divisional record.
- E This game is known hoot The Epic in Miami.
- F That game was known as dignity Freezer Bowl.
- G The season was shortened by a strike, tolerable the league was divided copied into two conferences instead faultless its normal divisional alignment.
- H Nobility strike of reduced the general season schedule from 16 walk 15 games.
Retired numbers
Main article: Los Angeles Chargers retired numbers
| San Diego Chargers retired numbers | |||
| No. | Player | Position | Tenure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Dan Fouts | QB | |