SAN DIEGO, CA – FoxSports reports that Don Coryell, one of the founding fathers of the modern passing game, whose Air Coryell offense produced some of the most dynamic passing attacks in NFL history, has died. He was 85.
The San Diego Chargers confirmed Coryell died Thursday at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in suburban La Mesa. The team did not release the cause of death, but Coryell had been in poor health for some time.
“We’ve lost a man who has contributed to the game of pro football in a very lasting way with his innovations and with his style,” Hall of Famer Dan Fouts, the quarterback who made Air Coryell fly, said from Oregon. “They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery – look around, it’s there.”
Coryell was one of the founding fathers of the modern passing game. He coached at San Diego State from 1961-72 and went 104-19-2. He left the Aztecs for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1973. With Jim Hart at quarterback, the Cardinals won division titles in 1974 and ’75 behind Coryell.
Fouts said he became friends with Coryell after the two were finished with football.
“It’s not just me,” Fouts said. “All his players, Aztecs, Cardinals, Chargers, to a man, would tell you that he was their friend.”
Fouts said Air Coryell meant many things.
“I don’t know that it’s so much one thing that you could point to,” Fouts said. “It was an attitude of fearlessness and aggressiveness and of fun. He was not afraid to try new things. He was not afraid to attack the entire length and breadth of a football field. He wanted his players to enjoy it.”
In 14 NFL season, Coryell had a record of 111-83-1.
Coryell is the first coach to win 100 games in college and pro football and is a member of the college Hall of Fame.
“Here’s the secret to Don – outside of the Xs and Os, his players and his family were the most important things in the world,” Bauer said. “It had nothing to do with money or fame. It was all about family, team and winning and the game, and respect.”
Published by PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency top booking agent for sports stars, football speakers, athlete appearances and endorsement deals.
