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( January 2017 ) San Diego Chargers Established 1961 Ended 2016 Played in San Diego, California Headquartered in Chargers Park San Diego, California Logo Wordmark League / conference affiliations American Football League ( 1961 -- 1969 ) Western Division ( 1961 -- 1969 ) National Football League ( 1970 -- 2016 ) American Football Conference ( 1970 -- 2016 ) AFC West ( 1970 -- 2016 ) Uniform Team colors Navy Blue, Powder Blue, White, Gold Fight song San Diego Super Chargers Personnel Owner ( s ) Barron Hilton ( 1961 -- 1966 ) Eugene Klein and Sam Schulman ( 1966 -- 1984 ) Alex Spanos ( 1984 -- 2016 ) General manager Sid Gillman ( 1961 -- 1970 ) Harland Svare ( 1971 -- 1959 ) Johnny Sanders ( 1976 -- 1986 ) Steve Ortmayer ( 1987 -- 1989 ) Bobby Beathard ( 1990 -- 2000 ) John Butler ( 2001 -- 2003 ) A.J. Smith ( 2003 -- 2013 ) Tom Telesco ( 2013 -- 2016 ) Head coach Sid Gillman ( 1961 -- 1969, 1971 ) Charlie Waller ( 1969 -- 1970 ) Harland Svare ( 1971 -- 1973 ) Ron Waller ( 1973 ) Tommy Prothro ( 1974 -- 1978 ) Don Coryell ( 1978 -- 1986 ) Al Saunders ( 1986 -- 1988 ) Dan Henning ( 1989 -- 1991 ) Bobby Ross ( 1992 -- 1996 ) Kevin Gilbride ( 1997 -- 1998 ) June Jones ( 1998 ) Mike Riley ( 1999 -- 2001 ) Marty Schottenheimer ( 2002 -- 2006 ) Norv Turner ( 2007 -- 2012 ) Mike McCoy ( 2013 -- 2016 ) Team history Los Angeles Chargers ( 1960, 2017 -- present ) San Diego Chargers ( 1961 -- 2016 ) Team nicknames The Bolts, San Diego Super Chargers Championships League championships ( 1 ) AFL Championships : ( 1 ) 1963 Conference championships ( 1 ) AFC : 1994 Division championships ( 14 ) AFL West : 1961, 1963, 1964, 1965 AFC West : 1979, 1980, 1981, 1992, 1994, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Playoff appearances ( 17 ) AFL : 1961, 1963, 1964, 1965 NFL : 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1992, 1994, 1995, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013 Home fields Balboa Stadium ( 1961 -- 1966 ) Qualcomm Stadium ( 1967 -- 2016 ) This article is part of series of Los Angeles Chargers history Los Angeles Chargers ( 1960 ) San Diego Chargers ( 1961 -- 2016 ) Los Angeles Chargers ( 2017 -- present ) List of seasons The professional American football team now known as the Los Angeles Chargers previously played in San Diego, California as the San Diego Chargers from 1961 to 2017 before relocating to Los Angeles where the team played their inaugural 1960 season. The Chargers franchise relocated from Los Angeles to San Diego in 1961. The Chargers ' first home game in San Diego was at Balboa Stadium against the Oakland Raiders on September 17, 1961. Their last game as a San Diego - based club was played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego against the Kansas City Chiefs on January 1, 2017. They lost their last game in San Diego to the Chiefs with a final score of 30 -- 13. Contents 1 AFL era ( 1961 -- 1970 ) 1.1 1961 -- 1966 1.1. 1 First Los Angeles era ( 1960 ) 1.1. 2 San Diego 1.2 1967 -- 1970 1.3 1970 -- 1977 ( Joining the NFL ) 2 Air Coryell era ( 1978 -- 1986 ) 2.1 1978 2.2 1979 2.3 1980 2.4 1981 2.5 1982 -- 1986 3 Changing head coaches ( 1986 -- 1993 ) 4 1994 -- 2005 4.1 1994 : AFC Champions 4.2 1996 -- 2005 5 2006 -- 2012 5.1 2010 -- 2012 6 2013 -- 2016 7 Return to Los Angeles 8 Records 8.1 Seasons 8.1. 1 Footnotes 8.2 Retired numbers 8.3 Chargers members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame 8.4 Chargers Hall of Fame 8.5 50th Anniversary Team 8.6 San Diego Hall of Champions 9 Franchise records 9.1 Passing 9.2 Rushing 9.3 Receiving 9.4 Special teams, defense, other 9.5 Exceptional Performances 9.6 Other career records 9.7 Team records 10 See also 11 References AFL era ( 1961 -- 1970 ) 1961 -- 1966 The Chargers played in four of the first five AFL national championship games ( 1961, 1963, 1964, 1965 ) -- winning once ( 1963 ). In the early years, the wide receiver, Lance Alworth made 543 receptions for 10,266 yards in his career of eleven AFL and NFL seasons. He made a record at ninety - six consecutive games with a reception. With players such as Alworth, Paul Lowe, Keith Lincoln and John Hadl, the Chargers reached the AFL championship game four times and won it once. First Los Angeles era ( 1960 ) In 1959, the team began as the `` Los Angeles Chargers '' when they entered the American Football League ( AFL ), joining seven other teams : the Denver Broncos, Dallas Texans, Oakland Raiders, New York Titans, Houston Oilers, Buffalo Bills, and Boston Patriots. The Chargers ' first owner was Barron Hilton, the son of Conrad Hilton, founder of the Hilton Hotels corporation. Lamar Hunt, who was instrumental in organizing the AFL, said that he had asked Gene Mako for a suggestion for somebody to start a team in Los Angeles and he recommended Hilton. Hunt said that he visited Hilton for less than an hour and Hilton immediately agreed to start a team. Barron Hilton held a contest to find a name for his team. The prize was a trip to Mexico. A man from Hollywood named Gerald Courtney submitted the name `` Chargers '' and won. Conrad Hilton said, `` I liked ( the name ) because they were yelling `` charge '' and sounding the bugle at Dodger Stadium and at USC games ``. Hunt said he thought Hilton picked the team name from the first batch of letters as publicity for his new charge account business Carte Blanche. The team 's first general manager was Frank Leahy, a former University of Notre Dame football coach. The team 's first head coach was Sid Gillman from the Los Angeles Rams. His strength lay in offense innovation and he was later honoured in the Hall of Fame. Gillman ( 87 - 57 - 6 ) signed a contract with the team for three years. When Frank Leahy resigned due to poor health, Gillman became the general manager in addition to his coaching role. The Chargers planned to play at the Rose Bowl, but instead signed a lease to play at the Los Angeles Coliseum. The Chargers were to host the first ever AFL national championship game at the Los Angeles Coliseum in 1961 ( for the 1960 season ). However as its attendance for home games was falling below 10,000 league and ABC television officials fearing that showing empty seats in the 100,000 + seat Coliseum might jeopardize the entire league persuaded the Chargers to give up the advantage and move the game to Houston ( where they lost ). San Diego In December 1960, reports surfaced that Chargers were considering relocation offers from San Diego, Atlanta and Seattle. Greg Gregston of the San Diego Union reported that the Chargers `` have learned in one season that Los Angeles has been saturated beyond sensible proportions with sports. '' In January 1961, the team announced the move to Balboa Stadium in Balboa Park, San Diego. Hilton was reported to have lost $900,000 in the first season. San Diego would spend $250,000 to increase stadium seating from 22,000 to 30,000 ; adding back rests for reserved seats ; raising the scoreboard ; upgrading the locker rooms ; moving the football field closer to the stands and reseeding it ; and improving security measures. The Junior Chamber Commerce reported that there were 10,000 firm commitments for season tickets. Seating was increased even more in May 1961 with upper deck bring the total capacity to 34,000. By then, Detroit native George Pernicano ( 1917 -- 2016 ) had become a minor shareholder in the team. In the 1961 season, their first in San Diego, the team 's defense made forty - nine pass interceptions. The term, `` Fearsome Foursome '' described the 1961 Chargers ' defensive players ' lineup. The anchoring players were Earl Faison and Ernie Ladd. The `` Fearsome Foursome '' phrase was later used by other NFL teams. In 1961, the Chargers lost the championship to Houston by ten points to three with 29,556 patrons attending the game at Balboa Stadium. In 1962, the team won four games and lost ten, including the final nine games of the season. This was mostly due to injuries. In the 1963 season, eight Charger players scored in the final week. Paul Lowe rushed over 183 yards, scoring 2 touchdowns on 17 carries. In the championship game, the Chargers beat Denver 58 points to 20 and became the AFL West champions. The season ended a week late due to a postponement of games after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. The Chargers won the 1963 AFL title when they defeated the Boston Patriots 51 points to 10. Spectators numbering 30,127 attended the game at Balboa Stadium. Keith Lincoln 's effort made up 349 yards of the total offense. In 1964, the Chargers played the New York Jets resulting in 17 points each. 50,222 spectators attended the game at Shea Stadium, New York. The game earned $46,828 in entrance fees. On Thanksgiving Day, Buffalo defeated the Chargers 27 - 24 at Balboa Stadium. The attendance was 34,865 spectators. The Chargers won their fourth AFL West title by defeating the Jets 38 - 3 before 25,753 spectators at Balboa Stadium. Lance Alworth left the game with a knee injury, and the fullback, Keith Lincoln was sidelined in the first quarter with a fractured rib. At the 1964 championship game in Buffalo, the Chargers were beaten 20 - 7. The AFL teams signed a five - year television contract with the National Broadcasting Company for $36 million to commence in 1965. On December 12, 1965, San Diego ( 9 - 2 - 3 ) won their fifth AFL West title by defeating Houston 37 - 26. Lowe came first and Alworth second in the player chosen for AFL Player of the Year honors. Buffalo shut out the Chargers 23 - 0 in front of 30,361 spectators at Balboa Stadium for the AFL championship. At half time, a new automobile, the `` Charger, '' was introduced by Chrysler officials. It would enter production made by Dodge the following year. In 1966, Hilton sold the Chargers to a 21 - member group of business executives for $10 million. The leading investors were Eugene V. Klein and Sam Schulman. The Chargers finished third in the AFL West that season, 7 - 6 - 1. During the sale process, a then - 23 year old Jerry Jones ( who would go on to become the owner of the Dallas Cowboys ) offered $5.8 million for the team, but backed off after his father disapproved of his plans. In 1967, the Chargers and the Rams played three preseason games at the new San Diego Stadium. The AFL and the NFL announced plans to merge for the 1970 season. 1967 -- 1970 In August 1967, the Chargers moved to the newly - completed San Diego Stadium ( now SDCCU Stadium ). In 1967, the Chargers played the NFL 's Detroit Lions in a pre-season game with 45,988 spectators in attendance. Detroit defeated the Chargers 38 - 17. In the fifth week of the season, Leslie `` Speedy '' Duncan had 203 yards in returns, 35 yards on a fumble recovery for a touchdown, 68 yards on four kickoff returns, and 100 yards for a touchdown. In the Charger 's game against Kansas City, the team won 45 - 31. In this game, the team 's combined effort was 897 yards offense and 622 yards in returns. In the eleventh week, the Chargers were defeated by Oakland 41 - 21 with 52,661 spectators at the game. In addition, 2,018 viewers watched the game on closed - circuit television in the San Diego Sports Arena. In 1968, the Chargers played a first pre-season game at the San Diego Stadium against the NFL team, the San Francisco 49ers. The Chargers won 30 - 18, before 39,553 spectators. `` Speedy '' Duncan set an AFL record with a 95 yard punt return for a touchdown in a game where the Chargers were defeated by the New York Jets 37 - 15. The Chargers came third in the West Division, with a 9 - 5 record. Quarterback John Hadl led the AFL that year with 440 pass attempts, 208 completions, 3,473 yards taken and 27 touchdown passes. He also led in passes intercepted, with 32. In the 1969 season, the Chargers lost their first two games. They then defeated the Jets in an at home game with 54,042 spectators. Joe Namath played for the Jets. Hadl and Alworth played for the Chargers. Hadl made a professional record with a pass reception in his ninety - sixth consecutive game. The Chargers won the next three games and then lost four. Their last game was against Buffalo where they won 45 - 6. The team finished with an 8 - 6 record and out of the playoffs. Charlie Waller, the offensive backfield coach was named head coach. Gillman had resigned after the season 's ninth game due to illness but continued as the team 's general manager. 1970 -- 1977 ( joining the NFL ) In 1970, the San Diego Chargers settled into the AFC West division following the NFL merger with the AFL. The years after the merger were difficult for the Chargers. Charlie Waller took over as the head coach, but after finishing 5 - 6 - 3, he stepped down, and Gillman returned to the job. Gillman resigned midway through the 1971 season, which ended with six wins and eight losses. In 1972, Duane Thomas and Deacon Jones joined the team, which finished with a 4 - 9 - 1 record. In 1973, veteran quarterback Johnny Unitas, formerly from the Baltimore Colts joined the Chargers. Unitas was almost 40 and had chronic injuries. He played three games and then was replaced by the rookie Dan Fouts. The Chargers finished with a 2 - 11 - 1 record. In the 1974 season, Fouts was named the new the starting quarterback. Don Woods also joined the team. Woods ran for over 1,000 yards but the team had a 5 - 9 record. However, in 1975, Woods and Fouts underperformed and the team finished 2 - 12. In 1976, the Chargers began with a three - game win streak but finished with a 6 - 8 record. In 1977, the Chargers again began strongly. However, the team lost four out of five games. Fouts was removed and the team finished 7 - 7. Air Coryell era ( 1978 -- 1986 ) Hall of Fame Charger Kellen Winslow, who played with San Diego from 1979 - 1987, is considered to be one NFL 's all - time tight ends. San Diego hired head coach Don Coryell in 1978, who would coach the team unti 1986. Coryell developed a pass - heavy offensive scheme and philosophy known as Air Coryell, also known as the `` Coryell offense '' or the `` vertical offense ''. With Dan Fouts as quarterback, the San Diego Chargers ' offense was among the greatest and most exciting passing offenses in National Football League history, setting league and individual offensive records. The Chargers led the league in passing yards an NFL record six consecutive years from 1978 to 1983 and again in 1985. They also led the league in total yards in offense 1978 -- 83 and 1985. Under the tutelage of Coryell, Dan Fouts, wide receiver Charlie Joiner, and tight end Kellen Winslow blossomed on the field and would all be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Chargers earned four consecutive playoff appearances ( 1979 - 82 ) during the Air Coryell era, including three AFC West division championships ( 1979 - 81 ). 1978 Main article : 1978 San Diego Chargers season In 1978, the NFL increased the season schedule to sixteen games. The rules were changed so that wide receivers could no longer block defensive backs more than five yards beyond the line of scrimmage. In the opening game of the season, the Chargers beat Seattle 24 - 20. On September 10, 1978, the second game was played against the Oakland Raiders at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego. The game became known as the `` Holy Roller '' game, or, the `` Immaculate Deception '' because the Raiders made a game winning play. With 10 seconds left in the game, the Raiders had possession of the ball at the Chargers ' 14 - yard line. The Chargers were ahead 20 - 14. The Raiders quarterback, Ken Stabler, took the snap but was about to be sacked by the Chargers ' line - backer, Woodrow Lowe on the 24 - yard line. Stabler fumbled the ball forward, and it rolled forward towards the San Diego goal line. Running back, Pete Banaszak, tried to recover the ball on the 12 - yard line, but could not keep his footing, and the ball was pushed even closer to the end zone. The Raiders ' tight end, Dave Casper, was the next player to reach the ball but he also could not get a hand on it. He batted and kicked the ball into the end zone, where he fell on it for the game - tying touchdown as time ran out. With the ensuing extra point by kicker, Errol Mann, the Raiders won 21 - 20. The Chargers ' fans saw the fumble as an incomplete pass or an intentional grounding. In the remaining minutes of the game, the teams battled for the ball towards the end zone where the Raiders ultimately recovered it for a touchdown. The Chargers lost their third game to Denver then in week four, the Chargers played the Green Bay Packers in an interconference match in San Diego. At the kickoff, the temperature was around 102 ° F ( 38 ° C ). The Packers won 24 - 3. After this loss, the Chargers ' head coach, Tommy Prothro was dismissed. He was replaced by Don Coryell of the St. Louis Cardinals. In New England, the Chargers won their first game under Coryell 's coaching. When they returned, San Diego was still recovering from the recent PSA Flight 182. The Chargers ' defeating Denver in San Diego was morale boosting for the city. Coryell coached the team in his `` Air Coryell '' offense : Fouts threw to a trio of receivers ( Charlie Joiner, John Jefferson and tight end Kellen Winslow ). The Chargers won nine games and lost seven, thus missing the playoffs. 1979 Main article : 1979 San Diego Chargers season The Chargers attempting to rush the ball through the Oilers ' defensive line during the 1979 AFC Divisional Playoff Game. In 1979, The Sporting News named the Chargers ' team general manager, John Sanders, the NFL Executive of the Year. Fouts set an NFL record by playing four consecutive 300 - yard passing games. His achievement was established in a game in which he threw over 303 yards against the Oakland Raiders. The Chargers defeated the New Orleans Saints 35 points to nil and proceeded to the playoffs, the first time in fourteen years. On December 17, 1979, the Chargers won their first AFC West division title by defeating the Denver Broncos 17 - 7 before a national Monday Night Football television audience and their home crowd. In the divisional round, the Houston Oilers defeated the Chargers 17 - 14. Ron Mix became the second AFL player and second Charger to be nominated to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The announcement was made during the half - time of the AFC - NFC Pro Bowl. 1980 Main article : 1980 San Diego Chargers season In 1980, running back Chuck Muncie was traded to the team from the New Orleans Saints. Fouts set a club record with 444 yards passing in the Chargers ' 44 - 7 defeat of the New York Giants. Kellen Winslow caught 10 passes for 171 yards. The Chargers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 26 - 17, winning their second straight AFC West title. They finished the season with 11 - 5 losses, a record for the team. Jefferson ( 1,340 ), Winslow ( 1,290 ), and Joiner ( 1,132 ) became the first three players on the same team to have 1,000 yards receiving in a season. The Chargers ' defense led the NFL in sacks ( 60 ). The defensive front line included the 1975 Chargers ' draftees Fred Dean, Gary `` Big Hands '' Johnson and Louie Kelcher. Together with Leroy Jones, these players were known as the `` Bruise Brothers ''. In the playoffs, the Chargers defeated the Buffalo Bills 20 - 14. However, their season ended in the AFC Championship Game at the hands of the eventual Super Bowl champion Oakland Raiders 34 - 27. 1981 Main article : 1981 San Diego Chargers season In 1981, the Chargers won their third straight AFC West title with a 10 - 6 record. After the division titles of the 1979 and 1980 seasons, contract disputes arose. Klein, the team owner, refused to renegotiate players ' contracts. The Chargers ' owner traded the wide receiver, John Jefferson, to the Green Bay Packers after a salary raise could not be agreed upon. Jefferson was replaced by Wes Chandler. Defensive end, Dean was traded to the 49ers again after a pay dispute. Dean said his wage was similar to that of his brother, a truck driver. After playing eleven games of the season, Dean went on to become the UPI NFC Defensive Player of the Year. In 1980 and 1981, without Jefferson, the Chargers no longer had the most passing yards in the NFL. Dan Fouts led the Chargers to several postseason runs from 1979 - 1982, including the famous `` Epic in Miami '' 1981 AFC Divisional Playoff game. `` I ca n't say how much it ( Dean 's leaving ) affected us, because we did make it to the AFC championship game '', said Johnson on the loss of fellow lineman Dean. `` But I could say if we had more pass rush from the corner, it might 've been different. '' In the 1981 playoffs divisional round, the Chargers defeated the Miami Dolphins 41 - 38 at the Miami Orange Bowl where the temperature on the humid day was 85 ° F ( 29.4 ° C ). The game became known as `` The Epic in Miami ''. ESPN journalists named the epic the best game in NFL history. Both teams showed strong offense. The Chargers were led by Fouts who made an NFL single season record of 4,802 yards and 33 touchdowns. This game set records for the most points scored in a playoff game ( 79 points ) ; the greatest total yards by both teams ( 1,036 yards ) ; and the most passing yards by both teams ( 809 yards ). The Chargers placekicker, Rolf Benirschke kicked the winning 29 - yard field goal after 13 minutes and 52 seconds overtime. The tight end, Kellen Winslow, made 13 receptions for 166 yards, a touchdown and one blocked field goal. He became exhausted and was assisted from the field by his team mates. The win sent the Charers to their second consecutive AFC Championship Game. At the championship game in Cincinnati, the Bengals defeated the Chargers 27 - 7. The game became known as the `` Freezer Bowl ''. The temperature was a record low − 9 ° with a wind - chill factor of − 59 °. 1982 -- 1986 During the strike - shortened 1982 season, Fouts averaged 320 yards passing per game. At that time, that average was a record. The Chargers defeated San Francisco 41 points to 37 and Cincinnati 50 points to 34. In each game, Fouts threw for over 400 yards. In the game against Cincinnati on December 20, 1982, the Chargers ' made 501 yards passing and 175 yards rushing. Chandler set a record of 129 yards receiving per game. The Chargers reached the playoffs for the fourth straight year, finishing 5th in the AFC ( divisional standings were disregarded due to the abbreviated schedule ). The team upset the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh 31 - 28, but the Dolphins would exact revenge from their loss the previous year the next week 34 - 17. In 1984, Klein decreased salaries in preparation for the team 's sale. The defensive linemen, Johnson and Kelcher, left for San Francisco. On August 1, 1984, Alex Spanos purchased a majority interest in the Chargers. Benirschke was named `` Miller Man of the Year ''. Joiner set an NFL record with his 650th pass reception in the fourth quarter of the game at Pittsburgh. In 1985 offensive guard Ed White set an NFL record by playing in 241 NFL games. Lionel `` Little Train '' James, a 5'6 ``, 171 pound running back, set an NFL record of 2,535 all - purpose yards and of 1,027 receiving yards by a running back. Changing head coaches ( 1986 -- 1993 ) The Chargers hosting a pre-season game at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium in 1987. During the 1986 San Diego Chargers season, following the resignation of Coryell, Al Saunders was named head coach. The team finished 4 - 12 that year. In 1987, Joiner retired to become the Chargers ' receivers ' coach. The team finished the season 8 - 7 including losses in the last six games. In 1988 Fouts retired after a 15 year career. He set seven NFL records and 42 club records, and became the NFL 's second most prolific passer of all time with 43,040 yards. Fouts 's jersey, the number 14, was retired at halftime at the `` Dan Fouts Day '' game in San Diego. In the 1989 season, Dan Henning, a former Chargers ' quarterback, Washington Redskins assistant, and Atlanta Falcons head coach, became the Chargers ' head coach. A first year running back, Marion Butts, set a club record with 39 carries and a team rookie record of 176 yards in the Chargers ' 20 points to 13 win against Kansas City. Steve Ortmayer, the director of football operations for the past three years, left and was replaced by Bobby Beathard. The team would post double - digit losses between 1988 and 1991. In the 1992 season, Bobby Ross became the Chargers ' head coach. The quarterback, Stan Humphries was obtained in a trade with the Washington Redskins. The Chargers finished the season 11 - 5 and won the AFC West title, making their first playoff appearance in a decade. Ross was named AFC Coach of the Year. In the Wild Card Round, the Chargers shut out the Kansas City Chiefs 17 - 0. Then, they were shut out by the Miami Dolphins in the divisional round, 31 - 0. In 1993, the Chargers finished 8 - 8, finishing fourth in the division. 1994 -- 2005 1994 : AFC Champions Main article : 1994 San Diego Chargers season In the 1994 season, the Chargers won 11 - 5. Quarterback Stan Humphries and wide receiver Tony Martin, worked together to make a 99 - yard touchdown completion. The players contributing to the Chargers ' 1994 AFC West Division championship included linebacker, Junior Seau, defensive tackles Reuben Davis and Shawn Lee and defensive end, Leslie O'Neal, and running back Natrone Means, Humphries and Martin who made offensive moves. In the playoffs, the Chargers unexpectedly defeated the Dolphins 22 - 21 in the divisional round and the Steelers 17 - 13 in the AFC Championship Game. The Chargers were defeated by the 49ers 49 - 26 in Super Bowl XXIX. Despite the Super Bowl loss, Beathard, who was responsible for the team line - up and the choice of coach, was named the `` NFL 's Smartest Man '' by Sports Illustrated. The Chargers ' 1995 season was less successful. The team reached the playoffs with a 9 - 7 record then were defeated by the Indianapolis Colts 35 - 20. 1996 -- 2005 LaDainian Tomlinson in 2008 During the 1996 season, running back Rodney Culver was killed in the crash of ValuJet Flight 592 in the Florida Everglades. Linebacker David Griggs had been killed in a single motor vehicle accident in Davie, Florida, eleven months earlier. In the 1997 season, Beathard dismissed Ross. Kevin Gilbride became the Chargers ' new head coach. Gilbride encouraged a more open passing attack, a major change in offensive style. After trades of players and draft choices to the Arizona Cardinals, Beathard selected quarterback Ryan Leaf with his second pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. However, due to his poor play and attitude, Leaf was released after the 2000 season. Jim Harbaugh, who was acquired in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens for a conditional draft choice in 2000, became the Chargers ' starting quarterback. In the 1998 season, the Chargers went 5 - 11. Rodney Harrison said, `` If I had to go through another year like that, I 'd probably quit playing. '' Humphries suffered several concussions due to a lack of pass protection and retired. When Gilbride left, he was replaced by an interim head coach, June Jones, a member of the Chargers ' staff. Jones left the team at the end of the 1998 season to coach at the University of Hawaii. The Chargers ' new head coach was Mike Riley from the Oregon State University. Beathard retired in April 2000 and was replaced in January 2001 by John Butler, former general manager of the Bills. From 1996 to 2003, the Chargers had eight consecutive seasons where they finished with just as many, if not more losses than wins. In 2001, Riley chose Norv Turner, the former head coach of the Redskins, as his offensive coordinator. Turner coached an offense method which he had employed at the Dallas Cowboys. The Chargers signed the former Bills ' quarterback, Doug Flutie. They also traded the team 's first overall selection in the 2001 NFL Draft to the Atlanta Falcons in return for the first - round selection ( fifth overall ) and third - round selection in the same draft. In addition the Chargers obtained the wide receiver - kick returner, Tim Dwight, and the Falcons ' second - round draft selection in the 2002 NFL Draft. The Chargers used those selections in the 2001 draft to select the Texas Christian University running back LaDainian Tomlinson and the Purdue University quarterback Drew Brees. For the 2002 season, Marty Schottenheimer replaced Riley. Under Schottenheimer, the Chargers won their first four games. Butler would succumb to cancer after a nine - month struggle in April 2003. Butler was replaced by A.J. Smith, who was named the Executive Vice President and General Manager. In 2003, the Chargers traded Seau to the Dolphins for a draft pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. Before he left, Seau 's teammates awarded him the Emil Karas Award for the team 's Most Inspirational Player. Tomlinson accumulated 195 total yards from scrimmage in a late season game against the Packers to raise his season total to 2,011. He became the first Chargers player and the eighth player in NFL history to record consecutive 2,000 - yard seasons. Tomlinson also became the first player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards and catch 100 passes in the same season. The Chargers were the host team for the Super Bowl XXXII and Super Bowl XXXVII. The 2004 season saw the Chargers win their first divisional title since 1994 with 12 - 4 record. They quickly were eliminated by the New York Jets in the first round of the playoffs, 20 - 17 in overtime. During the 2005 NFL Draft, the Chargers drafted key rookies who would help carry the momentum from the team 's 2004 season. The Chargers used their first pick to gain Shawne Merriman from the University of Maryland. Their next picks included Luis Castillo from Northwestern University, Vincent Jackson from Northern Colorado, Darren Sproles from Kansas State, Wesley Britt from Alabama University, Wes Sims from Oklahoma University, and the center, Scott Mruczkowski from Bowling Green State. The Chargers lost their first game of the 2005 season to the Dallas Cowboys at home 28 - 24, and their second game 20 - 17 in Denver against the Broncos. Through Tomlinson 's efforts, the Chargers won their third game, which was a home game against the New York Giants. Tomlinson took 220 yards in total, 3 rushing touchdowns, and threw for a touchdown helping the team to win 45 - 23. The Chargers then defeated the defending Super Bowl Champions New England Patriots 41 - 17. At their fifth game, which was against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Chargers wore their throwback uniforms. The Steelers defeated the Chargers 24 - 22 after Jeff Reed made a 40 - yard field goal. The Chargers won the sixth game against the Oakland Raiders, 27 - 14. In the seventh game, against the Eagles in Philadelphia, the Chargers were leading 17 - 13 until late in the game. Then, the Chargers ' field goal was blocked and returned 65 yards by Matt Ware. This led to the game winning touchdown for the Eagles 20 - 17. After winning three games and losing four, the Chargers won the following five games. These included an at home game against the Kansas City Chiefs won 28 - 20 and an away game against the New York Jets 31 - 26. The tenth week was a bye. Next, the Chargers won at home in their throwback uniforms against the Buffalo Bills, 48 - 10. Then, the team won against the Washington Redskins, 23 - 17 in overtime and the next week against the Oakland Raiders at home, 34 - 10. The Chargers were defeated 23 - 21 by the Miami Dolphins. On December 18, 2005, the Chargers defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 26 - 17 who had won their previous 13 games. The Kansas City Chiefs then defeated the Chargers 20 - 7, and the team was officially eliminated from playoff contention. The Chargers lost their final game of the season 23 - 7 to the Denver Broncos. The Chargers completed the 2005 season with a 9 - 7 record. 2006 -- 2012 In the 2006 season, the Chargers lost two games, one to the Ravens and the other to the Chiefs. They finished the season 14 - 2, their best record ever. They were seeded first in the AFC playoffs. In the divisional round, the Chargers were defeated by the Patriots 24 - 21. After the season, Schottenheimer left and Norv Turner became the head coach. In the 2007 season, the Chargers went 11 - 5. In the playoffs, the Chargers defeated the Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts. In the AFC championship game, the Chargers were defeated by the Patriots. In the 2008 season, the Chargers posted an 8 - 8 record. Despite that, they won the AFC West title over a weak field. The Chargers defeated the Colts in the wild card round then lost their game against the Steelers in the divisional round. In the 2009 season the Chargers first won two games and lost three. For the rest of the season the Chargers won each game, including those against the NFC East teams. Having lost a game against the Broncos, the Chargers defeated them in the eleventh week, 32 - 3. In the twelfth week, the Chargers defeated the Cleveland Browns 30 - 23. In this game, LaDainian Tomlinson broke Jim Brown 's rushing record and was congratulated by him. The Chargers secured another division title and became the AFC second seed. The Chargers then played and lost 17 - 14 to the Jets at home on January 17, 2010. 2010 -- 2012 Main article : 2010 San Diego Chargers season Main article : 2011 San Diego Chargers season Main article : 2012 San Diego Chargers season Prior to the 2010 season Tomlinson departed. He was aging and an expensive contract. The Chargers lost the first game to Kansas City, 21 - 14. The second game was at home was a win against the Jaguars. However, low ticket sales resulted in a blackout. The third game, an away game, was a 27 - 20 loss against Seattle. The fourth game was a win for the Chargers against the Cardinals, 41 - 10 at home. There was blackout during the game. Then in the next game, after many wins against the Raiders, the Chargers were defeated by them. The Chargers won the next four games then again were defeated by the Raiders at home, 28 points to 13. After a game where they tied with the Raiders, the Chargers were defeated by the Bengals 34 - 20 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005. The Chargers defeated Denver and ended the season with a 9 - 7 record. The Chargers finished the season as the eighth team in NFL history to rank first in overall offense ( 395.6 yards / game ), and overall defense ( 271.6 yards / game ). Despite these statistics, the team did not make the playoffs, a situation only shared with the 1953 Eagles team. The Chargers ended the season second to the Colts in passing yards per game ( 282.4 ), second to the Patriots in points scored per game ( 27.6 ), first in passing yards allowed per game ( 177.8 ), fourth in rushing yards allowed per game ( 93.8 ), and tied for second in sacks ( 47 ). In contrast, the Chargers gave up the most punt return yards per game ( 18.9 ) and gave 29 turnovers. Rivers had a career highlight of 4,710 yards, 294 yards passing per game, 66 percent completion ; 30 TDs, 13 INTs and a 101.8 passer rating. Tolbert made 11 rushing TDs and Gates made 10 receiving TDs. Phillips made 11 sacks. The Chargers started the 2011 season 4 - 1 before losing to the Patriots. They went on to lose to the Jets, Chiefs, Packers, Raiders, the Bears and Broncos. The team was fraught with injuries. On December 5, 2011, the Chargers defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars. Three wins followed including a solid defeat of the Ravens. The Chargers were then defeated 38 - 10 by the Detroit Lions. After a 38 - 26 win against the Raiders in the seventeenth week, the Chargers finished the season with an 8 - 8 record. The Chargers, Broncos and Raiders all finished 8 - 8, but the Broncos won the AFC West by virtue of tiebreakers. During a game on October 21, 2012, a line judge saw what he thought was a suspicious substance, such as a banned adhesive, on hand towels used by the Charger 's players. However, on November 7, the NFL announced that the Chargers did not cheat. Even so, the team was fined $20,000. After the 2012 season where the Chargers again failed to reach the payoffs, Smith and Turner were dismissed. 2013 -- 2016 Main article : 2013 San Diego Chargers season Main article : 2014 San Diego Chargers season Main article : 2015 San Diego Chargers season Main article : 2016 San Diego Chargers season On January 9, 2013, the Chargers announced that Tom Telesco, former Vice President of Football Operations for the Indianapolis Colts, would become the Chargers ' General Manager. On January 15, 2013, Broncos offensive coordinator, Mike McCoy, was hired as the Chargers ' new head coach and Ken Whisenhunt as offensive coordinator. D.J. Fluker, Manti Te'o, and Keenan Allen were selected in the first three rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft. Under McCoy, the Chargers won two and lost three games. The team then defeated Indianapolis in the Monday Night Football and then Jacksonville. After a bye, the Chargers won four of the next five games. They then won all the remaining regular season games. The team finished 9 - 7, and made the playoffs as a Wild Card team. On the 50th anniversary of the 1963 AFL Championship, the Chargers beat Cincinnati 27 - 10. In the wild card payoff, Denver defeated the Chargers 24 - 17. On January 13, 2014, Ken Whisenhunt left the team to join the Titans. On January 14, 2014, the Chargers announced Frank Reich, the quarterback coach, would replace Whisenhunt as the team 's offensive coordinator. The Chargers also brought back Donald Butler, Chad Rinehart, and Darrell Stuckey ; dismissed Derek Cox ; and engaged the running back Donald Brown. The Chargers selected Jason Verrett, Jeremiah Attaochu, and Chris Watt in the first three rounds of the 2014 NFL Draft. In September and October 2014, the Chargers won five games after losing their first game of the season and then lost a further three games. Some players sustained injuries and the team finished the season with nine wins and seven losses. The Chargers did not qualify to enter the playoffs. In three of their last four games, and five of their last eight, the Chargers did not score more than one touchdown. Compared to 2013, the offense dropped in points ( from 12th in the league to 17th ), yards ( 5th to 18th ), first downs ( 3rd to 15th ), net yards per pass ( 2nd to 8th ), rushing yards ( 13th to 30th ) and yards per rush ( 21st to 31st ). It was the second time in three years the team had finished second - to - last in yards per carry. In the AFC West division the Chargers finished the season with two wins and four losses. In the 2015 NFL draft, the Chargers selected Melvin Gordon, Denzel Perryman, and Craig Mager in the first three rounds. The season started off with a win against the Detroit Lions at home. The Chargers lost to the Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings in away games before defeating the Cleveland Browns on a last second field goal. Following their 2 wins and two losses, the Chargers lost their next six games to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, the Chicago Bears, and the Oakland Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chargers then won against the Jaguars in an away game and week 14, defeated the Miami Dolphins, 30 - 14. The Chargers finished the season in last place in the AFC West and third - last ahead of the Titans and the Browns in the American Football Conference with a 4 - 12 record. The Chargers drafted defensive end Joey Bosa in the third overall pick of the 2016 draft. Other selections included Hunter Henry, Max Tuerk, Joshua Perry, Jatavis Brown, Drew Kaser, Derek Watt, and Donavon Clark. The Chargers started their 2016 season in Kansas City, playing against the Chiefs and at half time, held a lead of 21 - 3. The Chiefs rallied in the second half, defeating the Chargers 33 - 27. In San Diego, the Chargers defeated the Jaguars 38 - 14. Running back Danny Woodhead did not play due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The Chargers then lost to the Colts, the Saints and the Raiders before winning against the Broncos 21 - 13 and the Falcons, 22 points to 30. There were further losses including to the Dolphins, 31 - 24 ; to Kansas City, 37 - 27 in San Diego ; and to the Browns in week 16. Return to Los Angeles See also : San Diego Chargers stadium proposals The owner of the Chargers, Dean Spanos advocated for many years for the city of San Diego to build a new stadium. With no success, the Chargers, in association with the Raiders, planned to construct a new stadium in Carson, California. Immediately after the conclusion of the 2015 season, the Chargers, Rams, and Raiders all filed applications to relocate to Los Angeles. On January 12, 2016, the NFL owners voted 30 - 2 to allow the Rams to return to Los Angeles, approving their Inglewood stadium project. The Chargers, however, were given an approval to relocate in one year 's time, under the condition they negotiate a lease or partnership agreement with the Rams. The Chargers registered the trademark, `` Los Angeles Chargers ''. They submitted to the City of Santa Ana the grading and landscape plans for a five acre parcel of land which would serve as an interim headquarters and training facility. The Chargers and Rams came to an agreement in principle on sharing the planned City of Champions Stadium to commence on January 29, 2016. The Chargers would contribute a $200 million stadium loan from the NFL and personal seat license fees to the construction costs, and they would pay $1 per year in rent to the Rams. The NFL then encouraged the Chargers to stay in San Diego by offering the team $100 million if they were to enter into an agreement with the city of San Diego. On January 29, 2016, Spanos, the Chargers ' chief executive officer, announced that the team would remain in San Diego for the season. The Chargers continued to seek public approval of a new stadium in San Diego. On February 23, 2016, the Chargers announced that their preferred location for a new stadium was the East Village, in Downtown San Diego. The funds for the stadium would come from the team, the NFL and the City of San Diego. Even though it was a more economical proposal, the Chargers dismissed the City 's alternative plan for a stadium in Mission Valley. Between April 21 and June 10, 2016, the Chargers collected 110,786 signatures in support of a new Downtown stadium. On July 9, 2016, the San Diego city clerk received the signatures and on July 18, 2016, the San Diego City Council voted unanimously to put the Downtown Stadium plan to a public ballot. On July 28, 2016, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce announced its support of the Chargers ' Downtown stadium proposal, and on October 3, 2016, Mayor Kevin Faulconer announced his support. However, on November 8, 2016, the proposal ( Measure C ) failed to receive support at public ballot ( 57 percent for and 43 percent against ). In December 2016, the NFL owners approved the terms of a lease agreement between the Chargers and the Rams and the Chargers debt ceiling. On December 23, 2016, the Chargers leased a property of approximately 3 acres in Costa Mesa for offices, practice fields, and training facilities. On January 12, 2017, Spanos announced the Chargers would move to Los Angeles for the 2017 season. The team would play in the StubHub Center in Carson, California, and eventually, share with the Rams the Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park. In 2017, when the Chargers moved their practice facility to Orange County, the Chargers removed all references to the city of San Diego from their website and merchandise. Records Qualcomm Stadium, where the Chargers played their home games from 1967 to 2016. Seasons AFL Champions ( 1960 -- 1969 ) Conference Champions Division Champions Wild Card Berth Season Team League Conference Division Regular season Post-season results Awards Head coaches Finish Wins Losses Ties San Diego Chargers 1961 1961 AFL West 1st 12 0 Lost AFL Championship ( Oilers ) 10 -- 3 Sid Gillman 1962 1962 AFL West 3rd 10 0 Earl Faison ( ASG MVP ) Sid Gillman 1963 1963 AFL West 1st 11 0 Won AFL Championship ( 1 ) ( Patriots ) 51 -- 10 Lance Alworth ( MVP ) Keith Lincoln ( ASG MVP ) Sid Gillman 1964 1964 AFL West 1st 8 5 Lost AFL Championship ( Bills ) 20 -- 7 Keith Lincoln ( ASG MVP ) Sid Gillman 1965 1965 AFL West 1st 9 Lost AFL Championship ( Bills ) 23 -- 0 Frank Buncom ( ASG MVP ) Sid Gillman 1966 1966 AFL West 3rd 7 6 Sid Gillman 1967 1967 AFL West 3rd 8 5 Speedy Duncan ( ASG MVP ) Sid Gillman 1968 1968 AFL West 3rd 9 5 0 Sid Gillman 1969 1969 AFL West 3rd 8 6 0 John Hadl ( ASG MVP ) Charlie Waller 1970 1970 NFL AFC West 3rd 5 6 Charlie Waller 1971 1971 NFL AFC West 3rd 6 8 0 Harland Svare ( 2 -- 2 ) Sid Gillman ( 4 -- 6 ) 1972 1972 NFL AFC West 4th 9 Harland Svare 1973 1973 NFL AFC West 4th 11 Harland Svare ( 1 -- 6 -- 1 ) Ron Waller ( 1 -- 5 ) NFL AFC West 3rd 5 9 0 Don Woods ( OROY ) Tommy Prothro NFL AFC West 4th 12 0 Tommy Prothro 1976 1976 NFL AFC West 3rd 6 8 0 Tommy Prothro 1977 1977 NFL AFC West 3rd 7 7 0 Tommy Prothro 1978 1978 NFL AFC West 3rd 9 7 0 Tommy Prothro ( 1 -- 3 ) Don Coryell ( 8 -- 4 ) 1979 1979 NFL AFC West 1st 12 0 Lost Divisional Playoffs ( Oilers ) 17 -- 14 Don Coryell 1980 1980 NFL AFC West 1st 11 5 0 Won Divisional Playoffs ( Bills ) 20 -- 14 Lost Conference Championship ( Raiders ) 34 -- 27 Don Coryell 1981 1981 NFL AFC West 1st 10 6 0 Won Divisional Playoffs ( Dolphins ) 41 -- 38 ( OT ) Lost Conference Championship ( Bengals ) 27 -- 7 Kellen Winslow ( PB MVP ) Don Coryell 1982 1982 NFL AFC 6th 6 0 Won First - Round Playoffs ( Steelers ) 31 -- 28 Lost Second - Round Playoffs ( Dolphins ) 34 -- 13 Dan Fouts ( OPOY, PB MVP ) Don Coryell NFL AFC West 5th 6 10 0 Don Coryell 1984 1984 NFL AFC West 5th 7 9 0 Don Coryell 1985 1985 NFL AFC West 3rd 8 8 0 Don Coryell 1986 1986 NFL AFC West 5th 12 0 Leslie O'Neal ( DROY ) Don Coryell ( 1 -- 7 ) Al Saunders ( 3 -- 5 ) NFL AFC West 3rd 8 7 0 Al Saunders 1988 1988 NFL AFC West 4th 6 10 0 Al Saunders 1989 1989 NFL AFC West 5th 6 10 0 Dan Henning 1990 1990 NFL AFC West 4th 6 10 0 Bobby Ross 1991 1991 NFL AFC West 5th 12 0 Bobby Ross 1992 1992 NFL AFC West 1st 11 5 0 Won Wild Card Playoffs ( Chiefs ) 17 -- 0 Lost Divisional Playoffs ( Dolphins ) 31 -- 0 Bobby Ross 1993 1993 NFL AFC West 4th 8 8 0 Bobby Ross 1994 1994 NFL AFC West 1st 11 5 0 Won Divisional Playoffs ( Dolphins ) 22 -- 21 Won Conference Championship ( Steelers ) 17 -- 13 Lost Super Bowl XXIX ( 49ers ) 49 -- 26 Bobby Ross 1995 1995 NFL AFC West 2nd 9 7 0 Lost Wild Card Playoffs ( Colts ) 35 -- 20 Bobby Ross NFL AFC West 3rd 8 8 0 Bobby Ross 1997 1997 NFL AFC West 5th 12 0 Kevin Gilbride 1998 1998 NFL AFC West 5th 5 11 0 Kevin Gilbride ( 2 -- 4 ) June Jones ( 3 -- 7 ) 1999 1999 NFL AFC West 4th 8 8 0 Mike Riley 2000 2000 NFL AFC West 5th 15 0 Mike Riley 2001 2001 NFL AFC West 5th 5 11 0 Mike Riley 2002 2002 NFL AFC West 3rd 8 8 0 Marty Schottenheimer 2003 2003 NFL AFC West 4th 12 0 Marty Schottenheimer NFL AFC West 1st 12 0 Lost Wild Card Playoffs ( Jets ) 20 -- 17 ( OT ) Marty Schottenheimer ( COY ) Drew Brees ( CBPOY ) Marty Schottenheimer 2005 2005 NFL AFC West 3rd 9 7 0 Shawne Merriman ( DROY ) Marty Schottenheimer 2006 2006 NFL AFC West 1st 14 0 Lost Divisional Playoffs ( Patriots ) 24 -- 21 LaDainian Tomlinson ( MVP, OPOY ) Marty Schottenheimer 2007 2007 NFL AFC West 1st 11 5 0 Won Wild Card Playoffs ( Titans ) 17 -- 6 Won Divisional Playoffs ( Colts ) 28 -- 24 Lost Conference Championship ( Patriots ) 21 -- 12 Norv Turner 2008 2008 NFL AFC West 1st 8 8 0 Won Wild Card Playoffs ( Colts ) 23 -- 17 ( OT ) Lost Divisional Playoffs ( Steelers ) 35 -- 24 Norv Turner 2009 2009 NFL AFC West 1st 13 0 Lost Divisional Playoffs ( Jets ) 17 -- 14 Norv Turner NFL AFC West 2nd 9 7 0 Norv Turner 2011 2011 NFL AFC West 2nd 8 8 0 Norv Turner 2012 2012 NFL AFC West 2nd 7 9 0 Norv Turner 2013 2013 NFL AFC West 3rd 9 7 0 Won Wild Card Playoffs ( Bengals ) 27 -- 10 Lost Divisional Playoffs ( Broncos ) 24 -- 17 Philip Rivers ( CBPOY ) Mike McCoy 2014 2014 NFL AFC West 3rd 9 7 0 Mike McCoy 2015 2015 NFL AFC West 4th 12 0 Mike McCoy 2016 2016 NFL AFC West 4th 5 11 0 Mike McCoy Total 416 421 5 ( 1961 -- 2016, Regular season only ) 11 16 0 ( 1961 -- 2016, Post-season games only ) 427 437 5 ( 1961 -- 2016, Total for all games ; 1 AFL Championship, 3 NFL Titles ) Footnotes As a result of the AFL -- NFL merger, the league was broken into two conferences ; the AFL teams moved into the American Football Conference. This season included the Holy Roller game. The Chargers finished ahead of Oakland in the AFC West based on better net points in division games. The Chargers finished ahead of the Denver Broncos based on better divisional record. This game is known as The Epic in Miami. This game was known as the Freezer Bowl. The 1982 season was shortened by a strike, so the league was divided up into two conferences instead of its normal divisional alignment. The strike of 1987 reduced the regular season schedule from 16 to 15 games. Retired numbers Main article : Los Angeles Chargers retired numbers San Diego Chargers retired numbers No. Player Position Tenure 14 Dan Fouts QB 1973 -- 1987 19 Lance Alworth WR 1962 -- 1970 21 LaDainian Tomlinson RB 2001 -- 2009 55 Junior Seau LB 1990 -- 2002 Chargers members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame San Diego Chargers in Pro Football Hall of Fame No. Player Position Tenure Inducted 19 Lance Alworth WR 1962 -- 1970 1978 74 Ron Mix * OT 1960 -- 1969 1979 19 Johnny Unitas QB 1973 1979 75 Deacon Jones DE 1972 -- 1973 1980 -- Sid Gillman * Head coach 1960 -- 1971 89 John Mackey TE 1972 1992 14 Dan Fouts QB 1973 -- 1987 1993 72 Little, Larry Larry Little OG 1967 -- 1968 1993 80 Kellen Winslow TE 1979 -- 1987 1995 18 Charlie Joiner WR 1976 -- 1986 71 Fred Dean DE 1975 -- 1981 2008 55 Junior Seau LB 1990 -- 2002 2015 21 LaDanian Tomlinson RB 2001 - 2009 2017 ( * ) Indicates Player or Coach began his tenure in Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame Main article : Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame The San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame was founded in 1976. The members of the Hall of Fame are honored at the Chargers ' `` Ring of Honor '', founded in 2000. Eligible candidates must have been retired for at least four seasons. Selections for admission to the Hall of Fame are made by a five - member committee chaired by Spanos. The Chargers in 2012 allowed fans to vote for the newest member. 50th anniversary team Main article : San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team See also : San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team in 2009, the Chargers announced their 50th Anniversary Team. It honored the top players and coaches in the team 's history. The team included 53 players and coaches selected from 103 nominees. Online voting accounted for fifty percent ( 400,000 votes ) of the results. The remainder were from members of the Chargers Hall of Fame and five members of the local media. Dan Fouts and LaDainian Tomlinson were the most popular players. The resulting team included seven members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and eleven players from the 2009 Chargers ' team. San Diego Hall of Champions The San Diego Hall of Champions includes Lance Alworth, Ron Mix, John Hadl, Charlie Joiner, Don Coryell, Sid Gillman, Gary Garrison, Dan Fouts, Ed White, Kellen Winslow, Earl Faison, Rolf Benirschke, Keith Lincoln, Russ Washington, Stan Humphries, Ernie Ladd, and Doug Wilkerson. The Hall of Champions admits athletes from the San Diego area as well as those who have played for San Diego - based professional and collegiate teams. Franchise records Passing Regular Season Playoffs Rookie Statistic Career Season Game Career Season Game Season Game Passes Completed 3,811 Philip Rivers 437 Philip Rivers 2015 38 Philip Rivers 10 / 25 / 15 OAK 164 Philip Rivers 63 Stan Humphries 1994 33 Dan Fouts 1 / 2 / 82 @ MIA 118 Craig Whelihan 1997 25 Ryan Leaf 10 / 25 / 98 SEA Pass Attempts 5,917 Philip Rivers 661 Philip Rivers 2015 58 Mark Herrmann 12 / 22 / 85 @ KAN Philip Rivers 10 / 25 / 15 OAK 286 Dan Fouts 114 Stan Humphries 1994 53 Dan Fouts 1 / 2 / 82 @ MIA 260 John Hadl 1962 52 Ryan Leaf 10 / 25 / 98 SEA Passing Yds 45,833 Philip Rivers 4,802 Dan Fouts 1981 503 Philip Rivers 10 / 18 / 15 @ GB 2,165 Philip Rivers 767 Philip Rivers 2007 433 Dan Fouts 1 / 2 / 82 @ MIA 1,632 John Hadl 1962 350 Billy Joe Tolliver 12 / 10 / 89 @ WAS Passing TD 314 Philip Rivers 34 Philip Rivers 2008 6 Dan Fouts 11 / 22 / 81 @ OAK 12 Dan Fouts Dan Fouts 1980, 1981, 1982 Stan Humphries 1994 Philip Rivers 2007 Dan Fouts 1 / 2 / 82 @ MIA 1 / 9 / 83 @ PIT Philip Rivers 1 / 13 / 08 @ IND 1 / 11 / 09 @ PIT 15 John Hadl 1962 John Hadl 9 / 30 / 62 @ OAK 11 / 25 / 62 @ HOU Passer Rating 94.7 + Philip Rivers 105.5 Philip Rivers 2013 158.3 * Dan Fouts 9 / 26 / 76 STL 85.2 # Philip Rivers 145.3 * Tobin Rote 1963 145.3 * Tobin Rote 1 / 5 / 64 BOS 58.3 # Craig Whelihan 1997 122.9 * Rick Neuheisel 10 / 11 / 87 @ TAM Passes Intercepted 242 Dan Fouts 26 John Hadl 1972 5 Dan Fouts 9 / 14 / 80 @ OAK 16 Dan Fouts 5 Dan Fouts 1979, 1982 Stan Humphries 1994 5 Dan Fouts 1 / 16 / 83 @ MIA 24 John Hadl 1962 5 John Hadl 12 / 16 / 62 @ DTX Marty Domres 11 / 09 / 69 @ KAN Sacked 361 Philip Rivers 49 Philip Rivers 2012 7 Stan Humphries 09 / 14 / 97 CAR Philip Rivers 10 / 17 / 10 @ STL 12 / 28 / 14 @ KAN 20 Philip Rivers 8 Philip Rivers 2008 Philip Rivers 1 / 11 / 09 @ MIA 1 / 12 / 14 @ DEN 22 Ryan Leaf 6 Rick Neuheisel 10 / 18 / 87 @ RAI Ryan Leaf 10 / 18 / 98 PHI Yds / Pass Att 7.75 + Philip Rivers 8.75 # Philip Rivers 2009 15.8 * Dan Fouts 11 / 3 / 74 CLE 7.96 # Philip Rivers 11.53 * Tobin Rote 1963 13.9 * Philip Rivers 1 / 13 / 08 @ IND 6.6 # Jesse Freitas 11.8 * Marty Domres 11 / 23 / 69 DEN Pass Yds / Game 253.22 + Philip Rivers 320.33 Dan Fouts 1982 - 303.57 # Dan Fouts 333 * Dan Fouts 1979 - 219.4 Billy Joe Tolliver 1989 - ∗ = minimum 15 attempts, # = min. 100 attempts, + = min. 500 attempts Rushing Regular Season Playoffs Rookie Statistic Career Season Game Career Season Game Season Game Rushing Att 2,880 LaDainian Tomlinson 372 LaDainian Tomlinson 2002 39 LaDainian Tomlinson 10 / 20 / 02 @ OAK Marion Butts 12 / 17 / 89 @ KAN 110 Chuck Muncie 57 Natrone Means 1994 26 LaDainian Tomlinson 1 / 8 / 05 NYJ 339 LaDainian Tomlinson 2001 39 Marion Butts 12 / 17 / 89 @ KAN Rushing Yds 12,490 LaDainian Tomlinson 1,815 LaDainian Tomlinson 2006 243 LaDainian Tomlinson 12 / 28 / 03 OAK 516 Chuck Muncie 241 Natrone Means 1994 206 Keith Lincoln 1 / 5 / 64 @ BOS 1,236 LaDainian Tomlinson 2001 189 Brad Hubbert 12 / 24 / 67 NYJ Rushing TD 138 LaDainian Tomlinson 28 LaDainian Tomlinson 2006 LaDainian Tomlinson 10 / 14 / 07 OAK 11 / 12 / 06 @ CIN Chuck Muncie 11 / 29 / 81 DEN Clarence Williams 9 / 16 / 79 BUF LaDainian Tomlinson Natrone Means 1994 LaDainian Tomlinson 2006 Darren Sproles 2008 LaDainian Tomlinson 1 / 14 / 07 NWE Darren Sproles 1 / 3 / 09 IND 10 Tim Spencer 1985 LaDainian Tomlinson 2001 Natrone Means 12 / 27 / 93 MIA LaDainian Tomlinson 9 / 30 / 01 CIN Ryan Mathews 1 / 2 / 11 @ DEN Yds / Rushing Att 4.9 + Paul Lowe 6.45 # Keith Lincoln 1963 12.6 * Brad Hubbert 12 / 24 / 67 NYJ 12.0 * Keith Lincoln 7.86 * Paul Lowe 1960 7.93 * Marion Butts 1 / 2 / 93 KAN 6.29 # Paul Lowe 1960 12.6 * Brad Hubbert 12 / 24 / 67 NYJ Rushing Yds / Game 88.6 + LaDainian Tomlinson 113.4 # LaDainian Tomlinson 2006 - 86.0 * Chuck Muncie 165 * Paul Lowe 1960 - 96.8 # Don Woods - ∗ = minimum 15 attempts, # = min. 100 attempts, + = min. 500 attempts Receiving Regular Season Playoffs Rookie Statistic Career Season Game Career Season Game Season Game Receptions 897 Antonio Gates 102 Keenan Allen 2017 15 Kellen Winslow 10 / 7 / 84 @ GNB Keenan Allen 9 / 13 / 15 DET 42 Antonio Gates 18 Vincent Jackson 2007 13 Kellen Winslow 1 / 2 / 82 @ MIA 71 Keenan Allen 2013 13 LaDainian Tomlinson 11 / 25 / 01 ARI Receiving Yds 11,192 Antonio Gates 1602 Lance Alworth 1965 260 Wes Chandler 12 / 20 / 82 CIN 539 Charlie Joiner 300 Vincent Jackson 2007 166 Kellen Winslow 1 / 2 / 82 @ MIA 1,046 Keenan Allen 2013 155 John Jefferson 12 / 4 / 78 CHI Receiving TD 111 Antonio Gates 14 Lance Alworth 1965 Tony Martin 5 Kellen Winslow 11 / 22 / 81 @ OAK Charlie Joiner Kellen Winslow Charlie Joiner 1980 Charlie Joiner 1 / 11 / 81 OAK James Brooks 1 / 2 / 82 @ MIA Kellen Winslow 1 / 9 / 83 @ PIT Keenan Allen 1 / 12 / 14 @ DEN 13 John Jefferson 1978 ( 8 players ) Yds / Reception 19.44 + Lance Alworth 28.6 # Bobby Duckworth 1984 46.25 * Lance Alworth 11 / 26 / 64 BUF 17.97 # Charlie Joiner 31.5 * Ron Smith 1980 23.67 * Keenan Allen 1 / 12 / 14 @ DEN 18.62 # Jerry Robinson 1962 35.5 * Harrison Davis 11 / 3 / 74 CLE Receiving Yds / Game 86.3 + Lance Alworth 129 # Wes Chandler 1982 - 86.75 # Wes Chandler 133 * Ronnie Harmon 1995 - 71.5 John Jefferson 1978 - ∗ = minimum 4 receptions, # = min. 20 receptions, + = min. 200 receptions Special teams, defense, other Regular Season Playoffs Statistic Career Season Game Career Season Game Rushing / Receiving TD 153 LaDainian Tomlinson 31 LaDainian Tomlinson 2006 5 Kellen Winslow 11 / 22 / 81 @ OAK Charlie Joiner Darren Sproles LaDainian Tomlinson Kellen Winslow Charlie Joiner 1980 Darren Sproles 2008 ( 9 players ) Yds From Scrimmage 16,445 LaDainian Tomlinson 2,370 LaDainian Tomlinson 2003 271 LaDainian Tomlinson 12 / 1 / 02 DEN 644 Chuck Muncie 329 Keith Lincoln 1963 329 Keith Lincoln 1 / 5 / 64 BOS Returning Kick Returns 258 Darren Sproles 67 Ronney Jenkins 2000 8 Andre Coleman 10 / 27 / 96 @ SEA Ronney Jenkins 10 / 1 / 00 @ STL 12 / 3 / 00 SFO Darren Sproles 10 / 26 / 08 @ NOR 21 Darren Sproles 13 Andre Coleman 1994 8 Andre Coleman 1 / 29 / 95 N SFO Kick Return Yds 6,469 Darren Sproles 1,541 Ronney Jenkins 2001 250 Ronney Jenkins 11 / 18 / 01 @ OAK 537 Darren Sproles 350 Andre Coleman 1994 244 Andre Coleman 1 / 29 / 95 N SFO Kick Return TD Andre Coleman Andre Coleman 1994, 1995 Ronney Jenkins 2001 ( 8 games ) Andre Coleman Andre Coleman 1994 Andre Coleman 1 / 29 / 95 N SFO Yds / Kick Return 27.56 * Richard Goodman 27.95 * Speedy Duncan 1969 46.67 + Darren Sproles 12 / 30 / 07 @ OAK 41.8 # Speedy Duncan 30.0 # Darren Sproles 2008 49.0 + Speedy Duncan 12 / 26 / 64 @ BUF Punt Returns 212 Mike Fuller 46 Mike Fuller 1979 8 Mike Fuller 9 / 19 / 76 @ TAM Phil McConkey 11 / 26 / 89 @ IND Latario Rachal 10 / 11 / 98 @ OAK Leon Johnson 12 / 7 / 03 @ DET 12 Darren Sproles 6 Darrien Gordon 1994 5 Eric Parker 1 / 14 / 07 NWE Punt Return Yds 2,388 Mike Fuller 537 Darrien Gordon 168 Eric Metcalf 11 / 2 / 97 @ CIN 107 Darren Sproles 76 Darren Sproles 2008 72 Darren Sproles 1 / 3 / 09 IND Punt Return TD Eric Metcalf Darrien Gordon Eric Metcalf 1997 Eric Metcalf 11 / 2 / 97 @ CIN Wes Chandler Wes Chandler 1981 Wes Chandler 1 / 2 / 82 @ MIA Yds / Punt Return 13.7 * Keith Lincoln 21.43 # Keith Lincoln 1961 42.0 + Eric Metcalf 11 / 2 / 97 @ CIN 12.38 # Mike Fuller 15.2 # Darren Sproles 2008 24.0 + Darren Sproles 1 / 3 / 09 IND Kick & Punt Return Yds 7,404 Darren Sproles 1,737 Andre Coleman 1995 282 Speedy Duncan 11 / 24 / 68 NYJ 644 Darren Sproles 364 Andre Coleman 1994 244 Andre Coleman 1 / 29 / 95 N SFO All - Purpose Yds 16,445 LaDainian Tomlinson 2,535 Lionel James 1985 345 Lionel James 11 / 10 / 85 RAI 1,059 Darren Sproles 602 Darren Sproles 2008 329 Keith Lincoln 1 / 5 / 64 BOS Kicking Regular Season Playoffs Statistic Career Season Game Career Season Game Extra Pts 349 Nate Kaeding 58 Nate Kaeding 2006 6 ( 6 games ) 18 Nate Kaeding 6 George Blair 1963 Rolf Benirschke 1981 Nate Kaeding 2007 6 George Blair 1 / 5 / 64 BOS Field Goals 261 John Carney 34 Nick Novak 2013 6 Greg Davis 10 / 5 / 97 @ OAK John Carney 9 / 5 / 93 SEA 9 / 19 / 93 HOU 8 Nate Kaeding 5 Nate Kaeding 2007 Nate Kaeding 1 / 20 / 08 @ NWE Punts 771 Darren Bennett 95 Darren Bennett 1998 11 ( 5 games ) 52 Mike Scifres 13 John Kidd 1992 7 John Kidd 1 / 10 / 93 @ MIA Mike Scifres 1 / 14 / 07 NWE Punt Yds 34,152 Mike Scifres 4,248 Darren Bennett 2000 522 Darren Bennett 10 / 11 / 98 @ OAK 2,330 Mike Scifres 599 Mike Scifres 2008 324 John Kidd 1 / 10 / 93 @ MIA Defensive Records Regular Season Playoffs Statistic Career Season Game Career Season Game Interceptions 42 Gill Byrd 10 Antonio Cromartie 2007 ( 11 games ) Glen Edwards Drayton Florence ( 6 seasons ) Interception return yards 546 Gill Byrd 349 Charlie McNeil 1961 177 Charlie McNeil 9 / 24 / 61 HOU 62 Glen Edwards 45 Bud Whitehead 1961 Interception return TDs 5 Dick Harris Kenny Graham Dick Harris 1961 ( 108 games ) 0 Sacks ( since 1982 ) 105.5 Leslie O'Neal 17 Leslie O'Neal 1992 Shawne Merriman 2006 5 Leslie O'Neal 11 / 16 / 86 DAL Gary Johnson 2.5 Fred Dean 1980 Leroy Jones 1980 Burt Grossman 1992 2.5 Burt Grossman 1 / 2 / 93 KAN ∗ = minimum 20 ; # = min. 5 ; + = min. 3 Exceptional Performances Statistic Career Season Playoff Games Rookie Games Games with 300 + passing yards 51 Dan Fouts Philip Rivers 8 Dan Fouts 1980 Philip Rivers 2015 5 Dan Fouts Billy Joe Tolliver Games with 100 + rushing yards 46 LaDainian Tomlinson 10 LaDainian Tomlinson 2006 Chuck Muncie 7 Don Woods Games with 100 + receiving yards 41 Lance Alworth 9 Lance Alworth 1965 Wes Chandler Vincent Jackson Charlie Joiner Kellen Winslow 5 Keenan Allen Games with 1 + TD scored 93 LaDainian Tomlinson 14 LaDainian Tomlinson Vincent Jackson Charlie Joiner Chuck Muncie Darren Sproles LaDainian Tomlinson Kellen Winslow 9 Paul Lowe 1960 Games with 2 + TD scored 42 LaDainian Tomlinson 10 LaDainian Tomlinson 2006 ( 7 players ) 5 John Jefferson Games with 3 + TD scored 13 LaDainian Tomlinson 6 LaDainian Tomlinson 2006 - Ryan Mathews Natrone Means Dickie Post LaDainian Tomlinson Other career records Games Played 204 ( Antonio Gates ) Long pass 99 ( Tony Martin from Stan Humphries, 9 / 18 / 94 @ SEA ) Long rush 87 ( Paul Lowe, 9 / 10 / 61 @ DTX ) Long punt return 95 ( Speedy Duncan, 11 / 24 / 68 NYJ ) Long kickoff return 105 ( Richard Goodman, 1 / 1 / 12 @ OAK ) Long interception return 103 ( Vencie Glenn, 11 / 29 / 87 DEN ) Long field goal return 109 ( Antonio Cromartie, 11 / 4 / 07 @ MIN ) Long FG 62 ( Ray Wersching, 9 / 22 / 74 @ CIN ) Seasons with 4000 + pass yards 8 ( Philip Rivers ) Seasons with 1000 + rush yards 8 ( LaDainian Tomlinson ) Seasons with 1000 + receiving yards 7 ( Lance Alworth ) Team records Most points scored 58, 12 / 22 / 63 DEN Most points allowed 57, 10 / 1 / 00 @ STL Largest margin of victory 46, 11 / 2 / 63 @ NYJ Largest margin of defeat 43, 12 / 13 / 64 KAN Most yards allowed 614, 10 / 1 / 00 @ STL Fewest yards allowed 58, 10 / 22 / 61 @ OAK Shutouts 17 See also History of the National Football League in Los Angeles History of the Los Angeles Chargers References Jump up ^ SB Nation https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2017/12/16/16774404/chiefs-chargers-2017-live-score-results-highlights. Retrieved 2 / 7 / 18. Check date values in : access - date = ( help ) ; Missing or empty title = ( help ) Jump up ^ LANCE ALWORTH Pro Football Hall of Fame. Accessed July 29, 2007. Jump up ^ Chargers Hall of Fame Chargers.com. Accessed July 29, 2007. Archived March 28, 2009, at the Wayback Machine. ^ Jump up to : `` History ''. San Diego Chargers. Retrieved December 5, 2015. Jump up ^ https://www.newspapers.com/clip/17218048/founding_of_the_chargers_los_angeles Jump up ^ The American Football League McFarland 1997 ISBN 0786486600 Jump up ^ `` Barron Hilton 's Chargers turned short stay into long - term success ''. Jump up ^ `` Los Angeles Chargers CHRONOLOGY 1959 - 1969 ''. Jump up ^ `` Reuters : Factbox : A look at the San Diego Chargers ''. Retrieved December 18, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Pro Football Hall of Fame : Franchise Nicknames ''. Retrieved December 18, 2017. 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Los Angeles Chargers Founded in 1960 Played in San Diego ( 1961 -- 2016 ) Based in Carson, California Headquartered in Costa Mesa, California Franchise Franchise History in San Diego Seasons Retired numbers 14 19 21 55 Hall of Fame Anniversary teams 40th 50th First - round draft picks Starting quarterbacks Coaches History Broadcasters Stadiums Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Balboa Stadium Qualcomm Stadium San Diego stadium proposals StubHub Center Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park ( under construction ) Culture Fearsome Foursome Air Coryell `` San Diego Super Chargers '' Bruise Brothers Marty Ball San Diego sports curse Los Angeles Charger Girls Rivalries Denver Broncos Kansas City Chiefs Oakland Raiders Lore Holy Roller Epic in Miami Freezer Bowl Wild card berths ( 2 ) 1995 2013 Division championships ( 15 ) 1960 1961 1963 1964 1965 1979 1980 1981 1992 1994 2006 2007 2008 2009 Conference championships ( 1 ) 1994 League championships ( 1 ) 1963 Current league affiliations League : National Football League ( 1970 -- present ) Conference : American Football Conference Division : West Division Former league affiliation League : American Football League ( 1960 -- 1969 ) Seasons ( 59 ) 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1984 1985 1986 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Championship seasons in bold San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers seasons Los Angeles 1960 San Diego 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1984 1985 1986 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Los Angeles 2017 2018 Bold indicates AFL Championship ( 1960 -- 69 ) or Super Bowl ( 1966 -- ) victory Italics indicates AFL Championship ( 1960 -- 69 ) or Super Bowl ( 1966 -- ) appearance San Diego Chargers 1963 AFL champions 18 Tobin Rote 19 Lance Alworth 20 Gerry McDougall 21 John Hadl 22 Keith Lincoln 23 Paul Lowe 24 Keith Kinderman 25 Dick Westmoreland 27 Charlie McNeil 29 Jerry Robinson 36 Dick Harris 38 Jacque MacKinnon 39 George Blair 40 Bobby Jackson 43 Gary Glick 47 Bud Whitehead 50 Chuck Allen 52 Don Rogers 55 Frank Buncom 56 Emil Karas 57 Bobby Lane 60 Sam DeLuca 61 Ernie Park 64 Pat Shea 65 Sam Gruneisen 74 Ron Mix 75 Ernie Wright 76 Henry Schmidt 77 Ernie Ladd 78 Walt Sweeney 79 George Gross 82 Bob Mitinger 83 Dave Kocourek 84 Paul Maguire 85 Bob Petrich 86 Earl Faison 88 Don Norton 89 Reggie Carolan Head coach Sid Gillman Coaches Walt Hackett Joe Madro Chuck Noll Bones Taylor Sports teams based in and around San Diego Australian rules football USAFL San Diego Lions Baseball MLB San Diego Padres Basketball ABA San Diego Surf Football WFA San Diego Surge IWFL North County Stars Ice hockey AHL San Diego Gulls WSHL San Diego Sabers Soccer USL San Diego 1904 FC ( 2019 ) PDL San Diego Zest FC NPSL ASC San Diego WPSL San Diego WFC SeaLions MASL San Diego Sockers PASL - Premier San Diego Sockers Reserves Roller derby WFTDA SoCal Derby RDCL San Diego Derby Dolls Rugby MLR San Diego Legion RSL OMBAC Tennis WTT San Diego Aviators Ultimate AUDL San Diego Growlers Lacrosse NLL San Diego Seals ( 2018 ) College athletics San Diego State Aztecs San Diego Toreros UC San Diego Tritons Point Loma Nazarene Sea Lions Cal State San Marcos Cougars San Diego Christian College Hawks Defunct San Diego Buds San Diego Chargers San Diego Clippers San Diego Flash San Diego Friars San Diego Rockets San Diego Sockers ( 1978 -- 96 ) San Diego Spirit Related San Diego sports curse San Diego Chicken Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_the_San_Diego_Chargers&oldid=832811126 '' Categories : San Diego Chargers History of the Los Angeles Chargers American football teams in San Diego Hidden categories : CS1 errors : dates Pages with citations lacking titles Pages with citations having bare URLs Webarchive template wayback links Pages containing links to subscription - only content Articles needing additional references from January 2017 All articles needing additional references Articles with hCards Talk Contents About Wikipedia Italiano Edit links This page was last edited on 28 March 2018, at 03 : 37. 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Question: when did san diego chargers move to los angeles
Answer: 2017