In American football, Air Coryell is the offensive scheme and philosophy developed by former San Diego Chargers coach Don Coryell. The offensive philosophy has been also called the "Coryell offense" or the "vertical offense".

Let's take a closer look at how the Air Coryell offense works, its principles and philosophy, as well as some example plays that you could emulate for your team. The pioneer of the offense was …

Aug 4, 2023 · The Chargers offense became known as Air Coryell, and rightfully so. In Coryell’s nine seasons as the team’s head coach, the Chargers led the league in passing yards seven times and total offense five times.

Jan 1, 2005 · The San Diego Chargers of the late 1970s and early ‘80s featured one of the most explosive and exciting offenses that ever set foot on an NFL field. The unit became known as “Air Coryell” because of the passing attack devised by head coach Don Coryell.

Aug 7, 2023 · Nearly two weeks after Don Coryell died in 2010 at age 85, an impressive lineup of Hall of Famers gathered to remember the innovative coach whose "Air Coryell" offense produced some of the most...

Feb 24, 2025 · Don Coryell innovated the offensive passing system with the use of a downfield passing attack, named the “Air Coryell” system. Players who excelled in this system are Dan Fouts, Charlie Joiner, and Kellen Winslow.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Nearly two weeks after Don Coryell died in 2010 at age 85, an impressive lineup of Hall of Famers gathered to remember the innovative coach whose “Air Coryell” offense produced some of the most dynamic passing attacks in NFL history.

Well known for his innovations in football's passing game, in particular the Air Coryell offense he created with the Chargers, Coryell was the first head coach to win more than 100 games at both the collegiate and professional levels.

Jun 7, 2018 · It was known as the "Air Coryell," a high-flying, breathtaking offense that utilized the width of the field and shredded defenses vertically with supremely talented pass catchers.

Oct 11, 2018 · During these glory days, they were known as “Air Coryell.” Don Coryell became head coach of the Chargers in 1978. His philosophy was to let the pass set up the run instead of the normal...