Established: 1960
Home Field: Qualcomm Stadium – San Diego, California
Owner(s): Alex Spanos, (George Pernicano, minority owner with 3% share)
General Manager: A. J. Smith
Head Coach: Norv Turner

The Chargers were established in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League. They joined the NFL as part of the AFL-NFL Merger in 1970 and currently play in the AFC West.

Upon their establishment, the Chargers achieved success due to such standout players as Lance Alworth, Paul Lowe, Keith Lincoln and John Hadl. Head coach Sid Gillman also made a major contribution as he was considered to be the leading authority on forward passing offense. In their first six years, the Chargers won five divisional titles and the AFL title in 1963. In 1969, Gillman stepped down due to health issues. This seemed to mark the beginning of hard times for the Chargers, as by 1970 they had fallen largely out of contention. This lasted through much of the 70s.

In 1979, the team turned things around with the acquisition of starting QB Dan Fouts and head coach Don Coryell. They managed to make their first playoff season in 14 years. Unfortunately, they lost to the Houston Oilers in the divisional round, but it marked the beginning of a successful period for the team that lasted until 1982.

The Chargers struggled throughout the rest of the 80s and early 90s. In 1992, Bobby Ross was hired as the new head coach, turning the team around and leading them to their first playoff appearance in 10 years. He also led them to their first and only Super Bowl in 1994. After they lost to the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XXIX, the team again fell out of contention for a further 10 years. Since, they have had their ups and downs, though generally speaking, they have remained a consistently successful team during the regular season.

Championships

League Championships
AFL: 1963

Conference Championships
AFC: 1994

Division Championships
AFL West: 1960, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1965
AFC West: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1992, 1994, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008

Chargers Trivia

• After their championship win in 1963, head coach Sid Gillman approached Pete Rozelle, suggesting a championship game between the Chargers and then NFL champions the Chicago Bears. Rozelle said no.
• Former Chargers defensive linesman Ernie Ladd also had a career as a professional wrestler.
• During their first year, the Chargers were headquartered in Los Angeles.