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San Diego Chargers Team History
The San Diego Chargers were founded in 1959 with the advent of the American Football League. Under founder Barron Hilton, as in Paris’ grandpa, the Chargers commenced play in Los Angeles as one of the original eight AFL teams. The team moved to San Diego before the start of the next season and won the AFL Championship in 1963. After the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, the team has won one AFC Championship and ultimately lost their one Super Bowl appearance to the San Francisco 49ers. The San Diego Chargers under offensive coordinator Don Coryell were one of the innovators of what eventually became known as the West Coast Offense. Coming of what was one of their most successful, and ultimately disappointing seasons, the San Diego Chargers have one of the brightest futures of any NFL team.
From the days of Sid Gillman to the "Air Coryell" era of Don Coryell and the "Marty Ball" period of Marty Shottenheimer, Chargers' coaches have long been at the forefront of some of the league's most innovative offenses. Their wide-open schemes have made household names of, not to mention Hall of Fame careers for, the likes of star players Dan Fouts, Kellen Wislow and LaDainian Tomlinson.
Presently, the Chargers have five players (Winslow, Fouts, Lance Alworth, Charlie Joiner and Ron Mix) and a coach (Sid Gillman) in the Hall. And with Tomlinson, it simply seems a matter of time.
San Diego Chargers Memorable Moments
Jan. 5, 1964
The San Diego Chargers defeated the Boston Patriots 51-10 at Balboa Stadium in San Diego to win the AFL title.
1979 Season
Dan Fouts threw for 4,082 yards in the first of three consecutive seasons during which he eclipsed 4,000 passing yards playing in coach Don Coryell's "Air Coryell" offense.
Jan. 2, 1982
Day of the "Epic in Miami" divisional playoff game where Hall of Fame tight end Kellen Winslow caught 13 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown in leading the Chargers to a 41-38 overtime win over the Miami Dolphins. Despite suffering a string of injuries and performing it conditions where the temperature lingered above 80 degrees, Winslow also found the strength to block a key field goal attempt before being carried off the field by his triumphant teammates.
Jan. 29, 1995
The San Diego Chargers were defeated by the San Franciso 49ers 49-26 in Super Bowl XXIX at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami.
Dec. 31, 2006 Chargers defeated Arizona Cardinals 27-20 to finish 14-2 in regular season and earn homefield advantage throughout playoffs.
Jan. 5, 2007
San Diego Chargers star running back LaDainian Tomlinson named league MVP. Tomlinson rushed for 1,815 yards and a league-record 31 touchdowns. San Diego Chargers Records
All-time regular season franchise record: 347 - 359 - 13
All-time playoff franchise record: 7 - 13
All-time franchise passing leader: Dan Fouts - 43040 yards
All-time franchise rushing leader: LaDainian Tomlinson - 10048 yards
All-time franchise receiving leader: Lance Alworth - 9584 yards
San Diego Chargers Playoff Results
2006
AFC Divisional Playoff: lost 21 - 24 vs. New England Patriots
2004
AFC Wildcard Game: lost 17 - 20 vs. New York Jets
1995
AFC Wildcard Game: lost 20 - 35 vs. Indianapolis Colts
1994
AFC Divisional Playoff: won 22 - 21 vs. Miami Dolphins
AFC Championship Game: won 17 - 13 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Super Bowl: lost 26 - 49 at San Francisco 49ers
1992
AFC Wildcard Game: won 17 - 0 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
AFC Divisional Playoff: lost 0 - 31 at Miami Dolphins
1982
AFC Wildcard Game: won 31 - 28 at Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC Divisional Playoff: lost 13 - 34 at Miami Dolphins
1981
AFC Divisional Playoff: won 41 - 38 at Miami Dolphins
AFC Championship Game: lost 7 - 27 at Cincinnati Bengals
1980
AFC Divisional Playoff: won 20 - 14 vs. Buffalo Bills
AFC Championship Game: lost 27 - 34 vs. Oakland Raiders
1979
AFC Divisional Playoff: lost 14 - 17 vs. Houston Oilers
1965
AFL Championship Game: lost 0 - 23 vs. Buffalo Bills
1964
AFL Championship Game: lost 7 - 20 at Buffalo Bills
1963
AFL Championship Game: won 51 - 10 vs. Boston Patriots
1961
AFL Championship Game: lost 3 - 10 vs. Houston Oilers
1960
AFL Championship Game: lost 16 - 24 at Houston Oilers
All-time playoff record: 7 - 13
SOURCE: Pro Football Reference |
San Diego Chargers HISTORY 
