Multiple reports are emerging from San Diego that former Chargers coach Don Coryell has died at the age of 85.
Coryell coached the Chargers from 1978 through half of the 1986 season, compiling a record if 72-60. He resigned after eight games in his final year on the job.
A finalist for induction in the Pro Football Hall of Fame earlier this year, the coach took full advantage of rules changes aimed at opening up the passing game to create Air Coryell, an attack that turned quarterback Dan Fouts, receiver Charlie Joiner, and tight end Kellen Winslow into Hall of Famers — and the Chargers into perennial contenders.
Coryell had been ill for months. Eventually, he passed due to complications from pneumonia.
He also served as head coach of the Cardinals from 1973 through 1977. Before that, Coryell coached at San Diego State for more than a decade.