1979 San Diego Chargers season
| 1979 San Diego Chargers season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach |
Don Coryell (2nd season) |
| General manager |
Johnny Sanders (Since 1976) |
| Owner |
Gene Klein (Since 1966) |
| Home field | San Diego Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 12–4 |
| Division place | 1st AFC West |
| Playoff finish | Lost Divisional Playoffs (Oilers) (14–17) |
| Pro Bowlers |
7
|
| AP All-Pros |
8
|
The 1979 San Diego Chargers season was the team's 20th season, and 10th in the National Football League. Their 12–4 record was tied for the best in the league in 1979.
The 1979 Chargers finished in first place in the AFC West after having finished 9–7 in 1978. The Chargers made the playoffs for the first time in 14 years. Chargers quarterback Dan Fouts threw for more than 4,000 yards, and wide receivers Charlie Joiner and John Jefferson both gained more than 1,000 yards receiving. The Chargers became the first AFC West champion to run more passing plays (541) then rushing (481).
The season ended with a playoff loss to the Houston Oilers.
As part of a marketing campaign, the Chargers created their fight song, "San Diego Super Chargers".
The 2006 edition of Pro Football Prospectus, listed the 1979 Chargers as one of their "Heartbreak Seasons", in which teams "dominated the entire regular season only to falter in the playoffs, unable to close the deal." Said Pro Football Prospectus of the team, "the creative [head coach] Don Coryell always designed potent offenses, but the San Diego defense didn't catch up until 1979. ... In their first playoff game, the Chargers hosted a Houston Oilers team missing running back Earl Campbell and quarterback Dan Pastorini and fell on their faces. Fouts threw five interceptions and no touchdowns, and the Chargers blew a third quarter lead and lost 17–14. The Chargers would not have the best record in the NFL again until the 2006 season. They would not have another top ten defense in points allowed until 1989. They would not win 12 games in a season until 2004. Their best shot at glory went horribly awry, thanks to the worst game in the illustrious career of Dan Fouts."
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