Legendary Chargers coach Don Coryell, who revolutionized offensive football in the late 1970s and early ‘80s with an aggressive passing game, died Thursday at the age of 85.
Chargers president Dean Spanos acknowledged Coryell’s passing in a statement released by the team.
“We are terribly saddened by the passing of Coach Coryell,” Spanos said. “He revolutionized the game of football, not only in San Diego, but throughout the entire NFL. Don Coryell was a legend not only with the Chargers but throughout San Diego. Though unfortunately he did not live long enough to see it, hopefully one day his bust will find its proper place in Pro Football’s Hall of Fame. He will be missed.”
A finalist for the Hall of Fame in 2010, Coryell died at 3:15 p.m. PT, surrounded by family members. He had been in poor health for an extended period of time.