Los Angeles Chargers History

The Los Angeles Chargers are in their sixty-fourth season, playing their home games at SoFi Stadium, in Inglewood, California since 2020. The Chargers are led by interim head coach Giff Smith since 2023.

The Chargers have won a single league championship in their history in 1963, led by head coach Sid Gillman.

Table of Contents

Franchise Award Winners

In 2004, head coach Marty Schottenheimer won Coach of the Year after leading the team to a 12-4-0 record.

During their careers, multiple players have won awards for the team: LaDainian Tomlinson won the Most Valuable Player in 2006 and the AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2006; Philip Rivers won the Comeback Player of the Year in 2013; Drew Brees won the Comeback Player of the Year in 2004; Joey Bosa won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2016; Shawne Merriman won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2005; Leslie O'Neal won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1986; Don Woods won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1974; Dan Fouts won the AP Offensive Player of the Year in 1982; Tobin Rote won the AP AFL Player of the Year in 1963; Keenan Allen won the Comeback Player of the Year in 2017; Justin Herbert won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2020.

Los Angeles Chargers by the Decades

1960s

The Los Angeles Chargers' inaugural season was 1960. During the decade, the Chargers had a record of 86-48-6 during the regular season and 1-4 in the playoffs. In fact, the eighty-six wins represents the most wins in a decade for the Chargers. They played their home games at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (1960), Balboa Stadium (1961-1966), and San Diego Stadium (1967-1969). They won zero division titles. The Chargers ranked 2nd in the Western division with a win percentage of 64%. They won one league championship in 1963. In 1961, the Chargers moved from Los Angeles, California to San Diego, California and changed their name from the Los Angeles Chargers to San Diego Chargers.

1970s

During the decade, the Chargers had a record of 58-81-5 during the regular season and 0-1 in the playoffs. They played their home games at San Diego Stadium. They won one division title. The Chargers ranked 5th in the AFC West division with a win percentage of 42%.

1980s

During the decade, the Chargers had a record of 72-80-0 during the regular season and 3-3 in the playoffs. They played their home games at Jack Murphy Stadium. They won two division titles. The Chargers ranked 4th in the AFC West division with a win percentage of 47%.

1990s

During the decade, the Chargers had a record of 74-86-0 during the regular season and 3-3 in the playoffs. They played their home games at Qualcomm Stadium. They won two division titles. The Chargers ranked 4th in the AFC West division with a win percentage of 46%.

2000s

During the decade, the Chargers had a record of 85-75-0 during the regular season and 3-5 in the playoffs. They played their home games at Qualcomm Stadium. They won five division titles. The Chargers ranked 2nd in the AFC West division with a win percentage of 53%.

2010s

During the decade, the Chargers had a record of 77-83-0 during the regular season and 2-2 in the playoffs. They played their home games at Qualcomm Stadium (2010-2016) and StubHub Center (2017-2019). They won zero division titles. The Chargers ranked 3rd in the AFC West division with a win percentage of 48%. In 2017, the Chargers moved from San Diego, California to Carson, California and changed their name from the San Diego Chargers to Los Angeles Chargers.

2020s

During the decade, the Chargers had a record of 31-36-0 during the regular season and 0-1 in the playoffs. They played their home games at SoFi Stadium. They won zero division titles. The Chargers ranked 3rd in the AFC West division with a win percentage of 46%. In 2020, the Chargers moved from Carson, California to Inglewood, California.

Los Angeles Chargers Head Coaching History

Head Coach Years Record Win percentage Playoff record
Giff Smith 2023 0-3-0 0.0% 0-0
Brandon Staley 2021-2023 24-24-0 50.0% 0-1
Anthony Lynn 2017-2020 33-31-0 51.6% 1-1
Mike McCoy 2013-2016 27-37-0 42.2% 1-1
Norv Turner 2007-2012 56-40-0 58.3% 3-3
Marty Schottenheimer 2002-2006 47-33-0 58.8% 0-2
Mike Riley 1999-2001 14-34-0 29.2% 0-0
Kevin Gilbride 1997-1998 6-16-0 27.3% 0-0
June Jones 1998 3-7-0 30.0% 0-0
Bobby Ross 1992-1996 47-33-0 58.8% 3-3
Dan Henning 1989-1991 16-32-0 33.3% 0-0
Al Saunders 1986-1988 17-22-0 43.6% 0-0
Don Coryell 1978-1986 70-59-0 54.3% 3-4
Tommy Prothro 1974-1978 29-43-0 40.3% 0-0
Ron Waller 1973 2-11-1 17.9% 0-0
Harland Svare 1971-1972 6-11-1 36.1% 0-0
Sid Gillman 1960-1969, 1971 90-54-6 62.0% 1-4
Charlie Waller 1969-1970 13-12-3 51.8% 0-0

Franchise history

Franchise history guide

Seasons with a championship win Seasons with a conference championship

Franchise facts