Chargers legendary coach Don Coryell was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH on Saturday.
On behalf of Coryell, former quarterback Dan Fouts presented him for enshrinement as a member of the Class of 2023.
all the feels 💙
the day don coryell has deserved for so long is finally here. pic.twitter.com/F3ZOcLjje7
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 5, 2023
Don Coryell's daughter Mindy and Dan Fouts unveil the head coach's HOF bust.
📺: #PFHOF23 Enshrinement on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/GCzB2KUTNj— NFL (@NFL) August 5, 2023
Coryell coached the Chargers from 1978-1986, posting a 72-60 record. Under him, the Bolts won three division titles and played in four divisional playoff games and two AFC championship games.
But it’s not what he accomplished while serving as the head coach, it’s how he revolutionized the game. The “Air Coryell” offense marked the beginning of the NFL’s transformation from a run-first league to one where passing reigned supreme.
Fouts led the league in passing yards four straight seasons (1979-1982) and became the first player to surpass 4,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. He was named to all six of his Pro Bowls under Coryell.
Coryell’s offense forced defenses to bring in extra defensive backs to slow the passing attack, which we refer to as nickel and dime defenses nowadays.
