Don Coryell Dies
by Brian (DaBolts) on Jul 1, 2010 8:48 PM PDT
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PrintThis is a sad day for Charger football, but in thinking about Coryell the man, he was the very definition of a life well lived. Don Coryell defined a generation of Charger football from 1978-1986. He was a master of the offense, every Sunday was showtime when he coached. The Chargers were the aerial circus, they were what other offenses aspired to. And although known for offense, in his early years the defense in the form of Louis Kelcher, Fred Dean and Gary 'Big Hands' Johnson tore up opposing offensive lines.
Coryell was an odd contradiction. If you watched him on the sideline staring at the game, you sometimes feared he was going burn holes right through players. His typical stance was bent at the waist, hands on knees with the fierce gaze that only the totally consumed produce. Yet to see him in a press conference he was the most genial, enthusiastic man you could hope to meet. He heaped praise on his players and coaches, he was a class act through and through. He spoke with a lisp, but he was so comfortable in his own skin you hardly noticed it.
I was in high school when Don Coryell became coach. We had just moved up recently, and I had been a tepid fan of the Rams. Somebody mentioned the Chargers had won their last six games under Coryell and I scoffed, they would be terrible again next year. But there was no cable back then and Chargers football was all there was, so I watched the next season and was hooked. It was an aerial circus and sometimes it crashed and burned, but for pure fun there was nothing better. Dan Fouts, Kellen Winslow, Charlie Joyner and John Jefferson; they didn't just dissect defenses, they dismantled them all under the steely eyed gaze of Coryell.
Shakespeare wrote "The moon's an arrant thief, and her pale fire she snatches from the sun." That was true for Coryell's offense, there were many that were similar, but they were imperfect reflections of the real thing. His Chargers would lead the league in passing from 1978-1983. Some say it's a pity he didn't make it into the hall of fame on this last go around, and they're absolutely right. It's a pity for the hall of fame.
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RIP coryell
Life is like riding a bicycle, to keep your balance, you must keep moving.-Einstein
a fitting sendoff
"Los Angeles is like San Diego’s older, uglier sister that has herpes." -- Justin Halpern
Sad,sad day
You couldnt have said it better. Don was the man behind the most exciting offense of all time
by NY#1BOLTFAN on Jul 1, 2010 9:17 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Great Job
I was in high school as well when Coryell came to town, my dad had season tickets and I never missed a Home game during Coryell’s glory years in San Diego. They will always be my fondest Charger memories.
Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame voters should be ashamed; to paraphrase Winslow, it shows a great lack of understanding among voters not to have elected him already, he will get it soon and it is a sorrow he wont be there to enjoy his legacy…..
a great coach a great man
God Bless you Mr. Coryell.
I’m not the Smartest, cleanest or most sophisticated person on the planet. I always knew there was a reason I pulled for S.D. outside of my hometown gravity. RIP Sir.
Great work, Brian
I liked the tone of your piece; a very nice eulogy and fitting tribute. I will be following you tomorrow with a look at Coryell’s place in pro football.
"The bureaucratic mentality is the only constant in the universe." - Dr. Leonard McCoy.
by Jeff (sliderockmpc) on Jul 1, 2010 11:46 PM PDT reply actions
That was some great football!
Condolences to the family. Hope he’s in the HoF next round, he’s easily one of the most deserving.
Bless you Don
I became a fan of the Chargers under Coryell’s tenure, and always have had the greatest respect for him.
RIP, Don Coryell
I wasn’t even born until a couple years after he was with the Chargers but I know about his influence on many NFL teams today, especially San Diego’s current style. It’s a shame he didn’t make it in the Hall of Fame last year. He definitely deserved it.
Don Coryell the man will be missed
However, his legacy will continue on. Rest in peace Don.
"I cannot give you a formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure: Try to please everybody."
Don Coryell
The Chargers are my favorite team because of Coach Coryell…..
Somewhere in heaven I can hear Coryell say…..“Just throw it to JJ” we love you coach Coryell…we are praying for the family during this time of bereavment.
I love Coryell. My grandfather and I watched him prowl the sidelines scowling and glowering - for the combination ...
of entertainment and football acumen I’d take Don Coryell and Jon Gruden, in that order. Coryell and Al Davis did wonders with Sid Gilman’s whole field concept. God Bless You, Coach.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
Being a Raider fan I can say I've never bothered to read let alone blog on this post, I have to say Don Coryell is the true personification of Offensive Innovator.
He has ties to Al Davis’ mad bomber schemes to Bill Walsh’s West-Coast offense, to the timing pass-offense that revolutionized the passing game in the past decade with the Stl Rams with their Greatest Show on Turf and even the hated Chiefs during Priest Holmes’ record setting hay days. I humbly offer my condolences to all Southern California sports fans on this sad day especially losing the incomparable John Wooden in less than a month’s span. My dearest sympathies to him, his immediate and his universal family. He will be missed.
If my mother put on a helmet and shoulder pads and a uniform that wasn't the same as the one I was wearing, I'd run over her if she was in my way. And I love my mother.
Bo Jackson
From a Broncos fan - my deepest sympathies
Over the past few years, I’ve written a half dozen articles trying to put the record straight with regard to all that Sid Gillman, Don Coryell, Bill Walsh, and, yes, Al Davis brought to their role in the history of this great game. Don Coryell belongs in the HoF, and it’s a danged shame if he doesn’t receive that honor. He brought a tremendous contribution to this game, and the league itself is lesser now for his loss. My best to each of you in this time.
Gnothi Seauton
I loved watching this guy when i was a little kid. Every game he coached was never boring. Tons of offense..which i love. And the stone cold look on his face on the sidelines. He was a gambler and a “Go for it” type of coach. And most importantly..a good man who loved his players.
He will be missed. R.I.P. Don. You brought excitement like no other.
From a Saints fan
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