The Los Angeles Chargers are an NFL team based in the Greater Los Angeles area. They compete in the AFC West division and play their home games at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, sharing the stadium with the Los Angeles Rams.
1953: Chargers Tie NFL Record
The 2010 Chargers became the eighth team in NFL history to rank #1 in both overall offense and defense but miss the playoffs, joining the 1953 Philadelphia Eagles.
1959: Establishment of the Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers were established alongside seven other teams during the formation of the American Football League in 1959.
1959: Los Angeles Chargers Founded
The Los Angeles Chargers were founded in 1959 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL).
1959: Founding of the Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers were founded, marking the beginning of their journey in the National Football League (NFL).
1960: Chargers Introduce Lightning Bolt Logo
The Chargers introduced their iconic arc-shaped lightning bolt logo in 1960, which has remained a staple of the team's branding.
1960: Chargers Debut in Electric Blue and White
The Chargers made their on-field debut in 1960 sporting a color scheme of electric blue and white, a combination that would become synonymous with the franchise.
1960: Chargers Commence Play in the AFL
The Chargers marked their entry into the American Football League (AFL) with the start of their inaugural season in 1960.
1960: Chargers' First Season in Los Angeles
The Chargers played their inaugural season in Los Angeles in 1960.
1960: Chargers Begin Play in the American Football League
The Los Angeles Chargers, a charter member of the American Football League (AFL), played their inaugural season in 1960.
January 1961: Chargers Announce Move to San Diego
In January 1961, the Chargers officially announced their decision to relocate to San Diego and play their home games at Balboa Stadium in Balboa Park.
1961: Chargers Set NFL Record for Interceptions
The Chargers' formidable defense made history in 1961 by setting a professional football record with an impressive 49 pass interceptions.
1961: Relocation to San Diego
The Chargers relocated to San Diego in 1961, becoming the San Diego Chargers.
1963: Chargers-Raiders Rivalry Ignited After Two Upset Victories
The Chargers and Raiders rivalry traces its roots back to the 1963 season, a year marked by two significant upsets. The Raiders, despite being considered the underdogs, managed to defeat the heavily favored Chargers twice, both times staging come-from-behind victories in the fourth quarter. These early encounters set the tone for a rivalry characterized by close games, dramatic moments, and no shortage of animosity.
1963: Chargers Win AFL Championship
The Chargers secured their first and only AFL championship title in 1963 by defeating the Boston Patriots with a score of 51-10.
1963: Chargers Secure AFL Championship Victory
With a high-powered offense led by players like Alworth, Lowe, Lincoln, and Hadl, the Chargers secured the AFL championship title in 1963, triumphing over the Boston Patriots with a decisive 51-10 victory.
August 1966: Hilton Sells Chargers
In August 1966, Barron Hilton made the decision to sell the Chargers to a group led by Gene Klein and Sam Schulman.
1966: Chargers Switch to Gold Pants
The Chargers updated their uniform in 1966, switching from white to gold pants.
1969: Final Season in the American Football League
The 1969 season marked the Los Angeles Chargers' last year as a member of the American Football League (AFL) before the AFL-NFL merger.
1970: Chargers Join the National Football League
Following the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, the Chargers became a part of the National Football League (NFL).
1970: Chargers Join AFC West
Following the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, the Chargers were integrated into the AFC West division.
1970: Chargers Enter the NFL
The Chargers joined the NFL in 1970 as part of the AFL-NFL merger.
1971: Sid Gillman Steps Down
In 1971, Sid Gillman, who had returned to the Chargers as general manager, stepped down from his position.
1973: Chargers Modify Jersey Numerals
In 1973, the Chargers made a subtle change to their uniforms, changing the color of the numerals on their blue jerseys from white to gold.
1973: Chargers Implicated in Drug Scandal
The Chargers found themselves embroiled in the NFL's first major drug scandal during the 1973 season.
1974: Chargers Update Uniforms with Bold Color Choices
In 1974, the Chargers embraced a new look, switching their primary color from sky blue to a bolder dark royal blue. This change extended to their helmets, and player numbers were removed. In a move that foreshadowed future trends, the team also adopted yellow face masks, becoming one of the first in the NFL, alongside the Kansas City Chiefs, to deviate from the standard grey.
1976: Establishment of Chargers Hall of Fame
The Chargers established their Hall of Fame, signifying the franchise's commitment to honoring its most impactful players and personnel.
1978: Don Coryell Becomes Head Coach
Don Coryell took over as the head coach of the Chargers in 1978, remaining in that role until 1986.
1978: Chargers Embrace White at Home Under Don Coryell
In 1978, coinciding with Don Coryell's arrival as head coach, the Chargers made a significant change to their game day attire. They began wearing their white jerseys for home games.
1978: "Holy Roller" Game Sparks Controversy and Leads to Rule Change
One of the most memorable and controversial games in the Chargers-Raiders rivalry took place in 1978. Dubbed the "Holy Roller" game, the contest ended with the Raiders intentionally fumbling the ball in order to score a game-winning touchdown. This play, while legal at the time, sparked outrage and led to a rule change in the following season. The "Holy Roller" game remains a point of contention between fans and a testament to the rivalry's capacity for generating memorable, albeit sometimes infamous moments.
1978: Chargers Struggle in AFC West
The Chargers consistently placed third or fourth in the AFC West each year from 1970 to 1978.
1979: Chargers' Playoff Run Begins
The Chargers enjoyed a successful period under Coryell, securing four consecutive playoff appearances from 1979 to 1982.
1979: Chargers' Disco Fight Song Debuts
The Chargers' fight song, "San Diego Super Chargers," was recorded in 1979 during the peak of the team's success with the Air Coryell era. The song featured a distinctive disco sound.
1980: Chargers Fall Short in AFC Championship
Despite their strong regular-season performances, the Chargers faced setbacks in the AFC Championship game, experiencing consecutive losses in 1980 and 1981.
1980: Raiders Triumph over Chargers in 1980 AFC Championship Game
The Raiders and Chargers have met only once in the playoffs, with the Raiders emerging victorious in the 1980 AFC Championship game. This game, a testament to the rivalry's intensity and significance, further solidified the Raiders' dominance in the head-to-head matchup. As of the end of the 2022 season, the Raiders hold a 67-57-2 lead in the all-time series.
1981: Another AFC Championship Loss
The Chargers faced a second consecutive defeat in the AFC Championship game in 1981.
November 22, 1982: Raiders Stage Dramatic Comeback Victory Against Chargers on Monday Night Football
On November 22, 1982, the Los Angeles Coliseum hosted its inaugural Monday Night Football game, featuring a clash between the Raiders and the Chargers. The game was a tale of two halves, with the Chargers dominating the first half and establishing a commanding 24-0 lead. However, the Raiders stormed back in the second half, scoring 28 unanswered points to secure a stunning 28-24 victory. This game remains etched in the rivalry's history for its dramatic turn of events and the electric atmosphere of the first Monday Night Football game in Los Angeles.
1982: Chargers' Playoff Appearance During Strike-Shortened Season
The Chargers managed to make it to the playoffs during the strike-shortened 1982 season.
1982: Los Angeles Raiders' Tenure Begins
The Los Angeles Raiders began their time in Los Angeles, marking the start of a period where they were considered rivals with the Rams in the "Battle of Los Angeles." This rivalry would continue until 1994.
August 1, 1983: Spanos Acquires Majority Stake in Chargers
Alex Spanos became the majority owner of the San Diego Chargers on August 1, 1983, after purchasing a controlling interest from Klein.
1983: Chargers' Playoff Drought Begins
Following the 1982 season, the Chargers went through a playoff drought, missing the postseason every year from 1983 to 1991.
1983: The Quarterback Class of 1983 Sets a High Standard
The 1983 NFL Draft saw the emergence of a remarkable quarterback class, which included Hall of Famers John Elway, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino. This class set a high standard for future quarterbacks and is often considered one of the best in NFL history.
1983: Chargers' Passing Dominance
The Chargers achieved a remarkable feat by leading the league in passing yards for an NFL record six consecutive seasons, from 1978 to 1983, and once again in 1985.
1983: End of an Era: Chargers' White at Home Experiment Comes to a Close
The Chargers' experiment of wearing white jerseys at home, which began in 1978, came to an end in 1983.
1984: Chargers Return to Tradition, Don Blue at Home Once Again
In 1984, Coach Coryell decided to revert to a more traditional approach, having the Chargers wear their blue jerseys for home games.
1984: Klein Prepares to Sell Team
In preparation for selling the team, Klein implemented salary cuts in 1984, resulting in the departure of key defensive players.
1985: Chargers Reintroduce Navy Blue Jerseys and White Pants
In 1985, the Chargers reintroduced navy blue jerseys to their uniform lineup, marking a return to the color scheme. They also brought back white pants as part of their uniform combination.
1985: Chargers Lead League in Passing and Total Offense
The Chargers dominated offensively, leading the league in both passing yards and total yards in 1978–83 and 1985.
1986: Al Saunders Appointed Head Coach
Al Saunders was appointed as the seventh head coach in Chargers history in 1986, succeeding Coryell, who had resigned mid-season.
1986: End of Coryell Era
Don Coryell's tenure as head coach of the Chargers ended in 1986.
1988: Dan Fouts Retires
After an illustrious 15-year career marked by setting seven NFL records and 42 club records, Dan Fouts announced his retirement in 1988.
1988: Chargers Undergo Major Uniform Overhaul, Embracing Darker Hues and Updated Details
The Chargers underwent a significant uniform redesign in 1988. The new look featured an even deeper shade of navy blue, and the lightning bolts on both the jerseys and helmets were now white, accented with navy interior trim and a gold outline. The face masks were also changed to navy blue, completing the team's shift towards a more intense and modern aesthetic.
1989: Dan Henning Named Head Coach
Dan Henning, a former Chargers quarterback, Washington Redskins assistant, and Atlanta Falcons head coach, assumed the role of the eighth head coach in Chargers history in 1989.
1989: Chargers' Fight Song Gets a Makeover
Under new owner Alex Spanos, the Chargers replaced their disco-infused fight song with a non-disco cover version in 1989.
1990: Chargers Introduce Navy Pants to their Uniform
In 1990, the Chargers made a notable addition to their uniform options by introducing navy pants, which they paired with their white jerseys.
1991: Chargers' Playoff Drought Continues
The Chargers' absence from the playoffs persisted until 1991.
1991: Chargers Break with Tradition, Sporadically Donning White at Home
With the exception of the 1991 season and a few sporadic instances in later years, the San Diego Chargers have predominantly stuck to wearing their blue jerseys at home.
1992: Chargers' Playoff Victory Over Chiefs
The Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in a 1992 AFC wild card game, marking their only playoff victory against the Chiefs to date.
1992: Bobby Ross Era Begins, Chargers Make Playoff Push After Poor Start
The Bobby Ross era began in 1992 with the Chargers, and the team acquired quarterback Stan Humphries. Despite losing their first four games, they achieved a significant turnaround, winning 11 of the remaining 12 games. This accomplishment secured them the AFC West title and earned Ross the NFL Coach of the Year award. However, their playoff run was short-lived, with a victory against the Chiefs followed by a divisional playoff loss to the Dolphins.
1992: Chargers Hall of Fame Selection Committee
Details about the Chargers Hall of Fame selection committee, including its members and their roles, were revealed. This committee played a crucial role in shaping the legacy of the Chargers by selecting deserving individuals for induction into the Hall of Fame.
1993: Chargers Finish with a Mediocre Record
In 1993, the Chargers finished with an 8-8 record, placing them fourth in their division.
1994: End of an Era: Raiders and Rams Leave Los Angeles
Both the Los Angeles Raiders and the Rams left Los Angeles, marking the end of their rivalry and a chapter in Los Angeles football history. The Raiders returned to Oakland, while the Rams moved to St. Louis.
1994: Chargers Don Throwback Uniforms
During the 2005 season, the Chargers wore their throwback uniforms for a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking the first time they had worn these uniforms since the 1994 season.
1994: Chargers Clinch AFC Championship
In 1994, the Chargers achieved victory in the AFC Championship, marking their first championship win since joining the NFL.
1994: Chargers Reach First Super Bowl But Fall to 49ers
The 1994 season marked the Chargers' first and only Super Bowl appearance. They started strong, winning their first six regular-season games, a feat unmatched by any other NFL team that year. Finishing 11-5, they clinched the AFC West title. Their playoff journey included upset victories against the Dolphins and Steelers, but they ultimately lost Super Bowl XXIX to the San Francisco 49ers, led by Steve Young and Jerry Rice.
1995: Chargers' Playoff Run Cut Short by Colts
In 1995, despite not replicating the previous season's success, the Chargers secured a playoff spot with a 9-7 record after winning their last five games. However, their playoff run ended in the first round with a loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
1996: Chargers Begin a Difficult Stretch of Losing Seasons
Starting in 1996, the Chargers entered a challenging period, experiencing eight consecutive seasons with records at or below .500.
1996: Tragedy Strikes the Chargers with Culver's Death
Tragedy struck the Chargers in 1996 when running back Rodney Culver and his wife died in the ValuJet Flight 592 crash. Culver became the second active player in team history to pass away, following David Griggs' death in a car accident the previous year.
1997: Coaching Change and Offensive Shift Mark a Period of Transition
The year 1997 saw friction between coach Ross and general manager Beathard, leading to Ross's dismissal. The Chargers brought in Kevin Gilbride as the new head coach, marking a shift in offensive strategy. Gilbride, known for his pass-heavy approach, aimed to revamp the team's offense. However, the Chargers struggled with pass protection, resulting in multiple concussions for quarterback Humphries and his eventual retirement.
1998: Chargers Struggle with Disappointing Season
The Chargers struggled in 1998, finishing with a 5-11 record. The season was marked by disappointment and frustration, as reflected in safety Rodney Harrison's comment about the difficulty of enduring another similar year.
1998: Hank Bauer's Tenure as Color Analyst Begins
Hank Bauer joined the Los Angeles Chargers' radio broadcast team as the color analyst, a position he would hold for seventeen seasons.
April 2000: Beathard Retires, Marking the End of an Era
Bobby Beathard, the Chargers' general manager, retired in April 2000, marking the end of his tenure with the team.
2000: Founding of Chargers Ring of Honor
The Chargers introduced the Ring of Honor, a visible tribute within Qualcomm Stadium to honor the members of the Chargers Hall of Fame. This addition provided fans with a tangible reminder of the franchise's history and legacy.
2000: Tomlinson Joins Chargers
LaDainian Tomlinson joined the Chargers in 2000, marking the beginning of his tenure with the team.
January 2001: Chargers Hire John Butler as General Manager
John Butler, formerly the general manager of the Buffalo Bills, was hired by the Chargers for the same role in January 2001.
2001: Chargers Reverse Uniform Choice for Preseason and Early Season Games
In 2001, the Chargers made a notable change to their uniform selection process. They opted to wear their dark uniforms for preseason games and white uniforms for home games in September. This decision was primarily driven by the intense heat during that time of year, and the team reverted to their dark uniforms in October.
2001: Chargers Draft LaDainian Tomlinson and Drew Brees
In 2001, the Chargers made significant moves, hiring Norv Turner as offensive coordinator and signing quarterback Doug Flutie. They also traded their first overall draft pick to the Atlanta Falcons, acquiring additional picks in the process. With these picks, they selected running back LaDainian Tomlinson and quarterback Drew Brees, who would go on to have successful NFL careers.
2002: Chargers Acquire Draft Picks from Falcons
As part of the trade agreement made in 2001, the Chargers received the Atlanta Falcons' second-round draft pick in the 2002 NFL Draft.
2002: Schottenheimer Starts Strong with Four Consecutive Wins
Marty Schottenheimer's tenure as the Chargers' head coach began in 2002 with a promising four-game winning streak, a first in team history.
2002: Chargers Reintroduce Beloved Powder Blue Throwback Uniforms
Responding to overwhelming demand from fans, both of the Chargers and other teams, the Chargers reintroduced their powder blue uniforms from the early 1960s as alternate jerseys starting in 2002. The powder blue throwbacks were a hit among fans and remained in use until 2006.
2002: Chargers' Original Fight Song Makes a Comeback
The Chargers brought back the original disco version of their fight song, "San Diego Super Chargers," in 2002. The team played it at home games after scores and victories until their departure from San Diego.
April 2003: Chargers Mourn the Loss of Former General Manager, Junior Seau Shines
The Chargers faced the loss of former general manager John Butler to cancer in April 2003. A.J. Smith stepped in to fill the role. Despite the loss, linebacker Junior Seau had a noteworthy year, earning his 12th Pro Bowl selection and the team's Most Inspirational Player award. Seau was later traded to the Dolphins.
September 28, 2003: Chargers' Winning Streak Against Raiders Ends
The Oakland Raiders ended the Chargers' 13-game winning streak against them on September 28, 2003.
October 27, 2003: Chargers Debut All-Dark Uniform Combination on Monday Night Football
On October 27, 2003, during a Monday Night Football matchup against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Devil Stadium, the Chargers donned an unusual uniform combination: navy pants with their navy jersey. This decision was prompted by wildfires in Southern California, which led to the game being moved to the Arizona Cardinals' then-home field. This marked the first and only instance of the Chargers sporting an all-dark uniform combination until their uniform change in 2020.
2003: Chargers' Worst Intradivision Record Since 2003
The Chargers finished the season 2-4 against their AFC West rivals, marking their worst intradivision record since 2003.
2003: Chargers' Losing Streak Continues
The Chargers' streak of losing seasons continued in 2003, marking their eighth straight year with a record at or below .500.
August 2004: Rivers Signs With Chargers
In August 2004, Philip Rivers signed a six-year, $40.5 million contract with the San Diego Chargers, including a $14.5 million signing bonus. Despite the new contract, Rivers entered a holdout, and Drew Brees retained his starting quarterback position.
2004: Chargers Seek to Maintain Momentum
After a successful 2004 season, the Chargers aimed to carry their momentum into the 2005 season.
2004: Chargers Draft Philip Rivers in a Draft Day Trade
In the 2004 NFL Draft, the Chargers were interested in Eli Manning but had to adapt their plans when Manning indicated he wouldn't sign with them. They traded their first overall pick to the New York Giants, who selected Manning. The Chargers acquired Philip Rivers, Shawne Merriman, and Nate Kaeding as part of the trade.
2004: Schottenheimer Wins Coach of the Year
Marty Schottenheimer was named NFL Coach of the Year for the 2004 NFL season after leading the Chargers to a 12-4 record and a playoff appearance, his 12th as a head coach.
2004: Tomlinson Achieves Rushing and Receiving Milestone
Running back LaDainian Tomlinson achieved a historic milestone in the 2003 season. He became the first Charger and the eighth player in NFL history to record consecutive 2,000-yard seasons. He also etched his name in the record books as the first NFL player to rush for 1,000 yards and catch 100 passes in the same season.
2005: Chargers' Playoff Drought Ends
The 2010 season marked the end of the Chargers' playoff drought, having last reached the postseason in 2005.
2005: Chargers Lose to Jets in Playoffs
The Chargers' 2004 season ended in disappointment with an overtime loss to the underdog New York Jets in the playoffs.
2005: Chargers Secure First Win Against Giants
After a rough 0-2 start, the Chargers earned their first win of the 2005 season in Week 3, defeating the New York Giants 45-23. LaDainian Tomlinson had a standout performance with 220 total yards and four touchdowns.
2005: Chargers Focus on Defense in Draft
In the 2005 NFL Draft, the Chargers focused on strengthening their defense, selecting linebacker Shawne Merriman and defensive tackle Luis Castillo with their first two picks.
2005: Chargers End Colts' Undefeated Streak but Miss Playoffs
Despite ending the Indianapolis Colts' undefeated streak in December 2005, the Chargers were officially eliminated from playoff contention after a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs the following week. They finished the season 9-7.
2006: Chargers Hire Norv Turner as Head Coach
Following the 2006 season, the Chargers replaced head coach Marty Schottenheimer with Norv Turner.
2006: Chargers Secure #1 Seed, Lose in Divisional Round
The Chargers had an impressive 2006 season, finishing 14-2 and securing the #1 seed in the AFC playoffs. However, their season ended with a loss to the New England Patriots in the divisional round.
March 2007: Chargers Unveil First Major Uniform Redesign Since 1988, Blending Classic and Contemporary Elements
In March 2007, the Chargers took to their official website to reveal their first significant uniform redesign since 1988. This new look aimed to strike a balance between the team's historical aesthetic and a more modern sensibility. The unveiling took place during a private, team-only event.
2007: Chargers Continue Powder Blue Tradition, Sporting Alternate Jerseys Twice a Season
The Chargers have maintained the tradition of wearing their powder blue alternate jerseys twice per season, a practice that began in 2007. This continued use of the popular throwbacks underscores their enduring appeal among fans.
2007: Chargers Reach AFC Championship, Fall to Patriots
Under new coach Norv Turner, the Chargers went 11-5 in 2007, defeating the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts in the playoffs to reach the AFC Championship game, where they lost to the New England Patriots.
2008: Chargers Win AFC West Despite 8-8 Record
The Chargers experienced a decline in 2008, finishing with an 8-8 record. However, due to the AFC West's weakness, they still won the division title. They lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional round of the playoffs.
2008: Chargers Don Powder Blue in Playoff Game Against Indianapolis Colts
The Chargers made a statement by wearing their alternate powder blue jerseys in a 2008 playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts. This decision showcased the team's confidence in their throwback uniforms, even on the game's biggest stage.
2009: Chargers' Last Playoff Appearance
The San Diego Charger's last playoff appearance before 2013 was in 2009.
2009: Chargers Finish Season with 11-Game Winning Streak
After a 2-3 start, the Chargers went on an 11-game winning streak to finish the 2009 season, including a victory over the entire NFC East. They secured the AFC West title and the #2 seed in the playoffs.
2009: Announcement of 50th Anniversary Team
The Los Angeles Chargers, in celebration of their 50th anniversary, unveiled their 50th Anniversary Team, composed of the most outstanding players and coaches in the franchise's history.
2009: Chargers Celebrate 50th Anniversary with 1963 Throwback Uniforms
In 2009, as part of their 50th-anniversary celebrations as one of the eight original AFL teams, the Chargers donned their 1963 throwback uniforms for three games. This gesture paid homage to the team's rich history and provided fans with a nostalgic glimpse into the Chargers' past.
January 17, 2010: Chargers Upset by Jets in Playoffs
The Chargers, entering the playoffs as the #2 seed, suffered an upset loss to the New York Jets on January 17, 2010. Kicker Nate Kaeding's missed field goals and an extra point proved costly in the 17-14 defeat.
2010: Rivers and Manning Maintain Winning Records as Starting Quarterbacks
By 2010, both Philip Rivers and Eli Manning had established themselves as successful starting quarterbacks, maintaining winning records throughout their careers until that point. This achievement drew comparisons to the renowned Quarterback class of 1983, which featured Hall of Famers John Elway, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino.
2010: Chargers Miss Playoffs Despite Strong Offense and Defense
The 2010 season marked the first time since 2000 that LaDainian Tomlinson was not on the Chargers' roster. Despite ranking highly in both offense and defense, the Chargers finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005.
2010: Chargers' Policy on Retired Numbers
The Los Angeles Chargers established a policy regarding the retirement of player jersey numbers. The team's Hall of Fame committee would review candidates for this honor after a player's retirement from the league, typically after five years. Junior Seau was the sole exception to this policy.
2010: Start of the 2010 Season
The San Diego Chargers aimed to improve their special teams performance from the previous season and find ways to overcome slow starts as they entered the 2010 season.
December 5, 2011: Chargers Break Losing Streak
On December 5, 2011, after a challenging six-game losing streak, the San Diego Chargers secured a much-needed win against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
2012: Fan Participation in Hall of Fame Selection
The Los Angeles Chargers allowed fans to participate in the selection process for the newest member of the team's Hall of Fame. This move reflected the franchise's recognition of the fans' passion and their integral role in the team's history.
2012: End of an Era: Chargers Fire Smith and Turner
The San Diego Chargers concluded the 2012 season with a disappointing playoff miss for the third consecutive year, leading to the dismissal of general manager A.J. Smith and head coach Norv Turner.
January 9, 2013: Chargers Appoint Tom Telesco as General Manager
Following the dismissal of A.J. Smith, the San Diego Chargers named Tom Telesco, former vice president of football operations with the Indianapolis Colts, as their new general manager on January 9, 2013.
January 15, 2013: Mike McCoy Takes the Helm as Chargers Head Coach
The San Diego Chargers hired Mike McCoy, former offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, as their new head coach on January 15, 2013.
2013: Chargers Implement Subtle Tweaks to Uniform Design
The 2013 season saw the Chargers make minor adjustments to their uniforms. These changes included the introduction of a two-tone nameplate, collars that matched the jersey color, and the addition of a gold stripe to the socks. These subtle updates demonstrate the team's commitment to refining and evolving their visual identity.
2013: Broncos' Playoff Win Over Chargers
The Denver Broncos defeated the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2013 AFC Divisional game, marking the only playoff meeting between these two teams.
2013: Chargers Return to Playoffs After Five Seasons
The San Diego Chargers concluded the 2013 season with a 9-7 record, marking their return to the playoffs after a five-season absence since 2009.
2013: Chargers' Offensive Struggles Mirror 2013 Season
Despite matching their 9-7 record from 2013, the Chargers' offensive performance mirrored that of their previous season, ultimately leading them to miss the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons.
January 5, 2014: Chargers Advance to AFC Divisional Round
The San Diego Chargers triumphed over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on January 5, 2014, securing their place in the AFC Divisional Playoff Round.
January 12, 2014: Chargers' Playoff Run Ends in Denver
The San Diego Chargers' playoff journey met its end on January 12, 2014, as they fell to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
December 2014: Chargers Opt to Stay Put for 2015 Season
Amidst relocation talks, the San Diego Chargers announced in December 2014 their decision to remain in San Diego for the 2015 season.
2014: Chargers Expand Radio Broadcasts to Digital Platforms
The Los Angeles Chargers embraced digital platforms, making their radio broadcasts accessible through their official mobile application and website. This expansion allowed fans to listen to games conveniently through their smartphones or computers.
January 2015: Rams Owner Announces Inglewood Stadium Plan
Stan Kroenke, owner of the St. Louis Rams, made public his intention to construct a new stadium in Inglewood in January 2015.
February 2015: Chargers and Raiders Propose Carson Stadium
In a joint effort, the San Diego Chargers and the Oakland Raiders unveiled a stadium proposal for Carson in February 2015.
August 2015: San Diego Offers New Stadium Proposal
San Diego city officials presented a fresh plan for a $1.1 billion Chargers stadium at the existing Mission Valley site in August 2015.
2015: No NFL Team Relocation Until 2016 Season
Following the Chargers' announcement, the NFL declared that no team relocations would take place until the 2016 season at the earliest.
2015: Chargers, Rams, and Raiders File for Los Angeles Move
Following the conclusion of the 2015 regular season, the San Diego Chargers, St. Louis Rams, and Oakland Raiders all submitted relocation requests to move to Los Angeles.
2015: Hank Bauer Replaced as Color Analyst
Hank Bauer's tenure as the color analyst for Chargers radio broadcasts came to an end. He was replaced by Conway, marking a change in the broadcast booth.
2015: Raiders' Attempted Return to Los Angeles
The Raiders made an unsuccessful attempt to return to Los Angeles. This followed a failed joint stadium project with the San Diego Chargers, indicating continued interest in the LA market.
2015: Chargers End Season at 4-12
The San Diego Chargers finished the 2015 season with a 4-12 record.
January 12, 2016: Rams Granted Return to Los Angeles
NFL owners voted 30-2 in favor of the Rams' return to Los Angeles, approving the Inglewood stadium project over the Carson proposal on January 12, 2016.
January 14, 2016: Chargers Trademark "Los Angeles Chargers"
The San Diego Chargers filed an application to trademark the name "Los Angeles Chargers" for the purpose of operating and promoting a professional football franchise on January 14, 2016.
January 29, 2016: Chargers and Rams Agree to Share SoFi Stadium
After two weeks of negotiations, the Chargers and Rams reached a preliminary agreement to share the planned SoFi Stadium on January 29, 2016.
November 8, 2016: Measure C Vote
On November 8, 2016, Measure C, a ballot initiative that would have allowed for public funding of a new Chargers stadium in downtown San Diego, was voted down.
December 14, 2016: Chargers' Potential Move to Los Angeles Approved
On December 14, 2016, the NFL approved the terms of the Chargers and Rams lease agreement, paving the way for the Chargers' potential relocation to Los Angeles.
December 2016: San Diego City Council's Lease Offer
In December 2016, the San Diego City Council offered the Chargers a 99-year lease for the Mission Valley property at $1 per year in an attempt to keep the team from relocating.
2016: Joey Bosa Wins Defensive Rookie of the Year
Joey Bosa, a member of the Los Angeles Chargers, earned the prestigious title of NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
2016: End of the Poinsettia Bowl
The Poinsettia Bowl was discontinued, marking the end of an era for this college football bowl game.
2016: Rams Return to Los Angeles
The Rams returned to Los Angeles after a period in St. Louis, setting the stage for the renewal of their rivalry with the Chargers upon the latter's move to Los Angeles in 2017.
2016: George Pernicano Passes Away
George Pernicano, who owned 3% of the Chargers, passed away in 2016.
2016: Potential Team Relocations on Hold Until 2016
The NFL announced that no teams would be allowed to relocate until the 2016 season at the earliest.
January 12, 2017: Chargers Announce Move to Los Angeles
On January 12, 2017, Chargers owner Dean Spanos formally announced the team's relocation back to Los Angeles after playing in San Diego for 56 seasons.
2017: Chargers Move to Los Angeles, Reigniting Rivalry
The San Diego Chargers moved to Los Angeles, reviving the intercity rivalry with the Rams, who had returned to Los Angeles in 2016. This move marked a new chapter in the history of both teams.
2017: KFI AM 640 Becomes Chargers' Flagship Radio Station
KFI AM 640 became the flagship radio station for the Los Angeles Chargers upon their return to Los Angeles, extending the team's reach and connecting them with a wider audience through radio broadcasts.
2017: Chargers Return to Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Chargers returned to Los Angeles in 2017 after relocating from San Diego. This move came with new scheduling policies due to sharing the market with the Los Angeles Rams. These policies included restrictions on early game times and network overlaps, ultimately benefiting both teams with more prime-time game slots.
2017: Keenan Allen's Comeback Earns Him NFL Award
Keenan Allen, wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers, was recognized for his remarkable comeback from injury and received the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
2017: Return to Los Angeles
After 56 seasons in San Diego, the Chargers moved back to Los Angeles in 2017.
December 2018: Chargers' Attendance Struggles Continue
In December 2018, the Chargers' struggles to attract fans to their games in Los Angeles were widely reported, with one columnist questioning whether the city would even celebrate a Super Bowl win.
2018: Chargers Revive Shield Logo
In the 2018 season, the Chargers brought back their shield logo featuring a horsehead and lightning bolt, a design reminiscent of the team's early years.
2018: Chargers' Playoff Success and First Regular Season Matchup in LA
The Chargers had a successful season with a 12-4 record, making it to the AFC divisional round of the playoffs but losing to the New England Patriots. This same season, the Rams and Chargers played their first regular season game against each other in Los Angeles, marking a significant moment in their renewed rivalry.
2018: Chargers Continue Under New Scheduling Policies
The Los Angeles Chargers continued to operate under the league's scheduling policies implemented upon their return to Los Angeles in 2017. These policies, designed to accommodate both the Chargers and the Rams in the shared Los Angeles market, remained in effect throughout the 2018 season.
2018: Chargers' Playoff Appearance and Divisional Round Loss
The Los Angeles Chargers made a playoff appearance, their second in recent seasons. They reached the Divisional Round but faced defeat at the hands of the New England Patriots.
April 16, 2019: Chargers Announce Return to Powder Blue as Primary Home Uniform
In a move that delighted many fans, the Chargers officially announced on April 16, 2019, that their powder blue jerseys, the same ones worn during their inaugural season in Los Angeles in 1960, would become their primary home uniform starting in the 2019 NFL season. Additionally, the team revealed that the face mask color would change from navy blue to gold, a feature previously seen on their royal blue NFL Color Rush uniforms.
2019: Chargers' Scheduling Policies Remain Consistent
The Los Angeles Chargers continued to adhere to the league's scheduling policies throughout 2019. These policies, established upon their return to Los Angeles in 2017, aimed to address the unique circumstances of sharing a market with the Los Angeles Rams. The arrangement continued to impact the Chargers' game schedule and television broadcasts in the Los Angeles area.
2019: Move to Dignity Health Sports Park
The Chargers played at Dignity Health Sports Park, previously named StubHub Center, from 2017 to 2019 while SoFi Stadium was being built.
2019: Chargers Finish with a Losing Record
The Chargers had a disappointing 2019 season, finishing with a 5-11 record and failing to make the playoffs.
2019: End of KFI AM 640 as Flagship Station
KFI AM 640 concluded its tenure as the flagship radio station for the Los Angeles Chargers. This change in broadcasting partners marked a shift in the team's media landscape.
March 24, 2020: Chargers Unveil New Logos, Hinting at Upcoming Uniform Changes
On March 24, 2020, the Chargers organization made a significant announcement, revealing new logos that would represent the team moving forward. These updated logos completely removed the navy blue color, modified the double bolt by reducing its curve, and introduced a new script logo. The new script logo prominently featured powder blue and gold, with a lightning bolt emanating from the "A" in "Chargers." This unveiling generated considerable buzz and anticipation among fans eager to see the team's new visual identity.
April 21, 2020: Chargers Reveal New Uniforms with Bold Designs and Color Schemes
On April 21, 2020, the Chargers unveiled their much-anticipated new uniforms, marking a bold departure from their previous look. The redesigned uniforms incorporated numbers on the helmet and featured two distinct color-rush options. One color-rush set was royal blue, reminiscent of their earlier uniforms, while the other was an all-navy ensemble, with the logo on the helmet also changing to navy. Gold pants were introduced as part of the rebrand, adding a touch of extravagance to the team's on-field attire. Notably, powder blue made a triumphant return as the primary color, solidifying its place as a fan favorite and a symbol of the Chargers' identity.
September 13, 2020: Tyrod Taylor Starts as Quarterback
On September 13, 2020, Tyrod Taylor became the first new starting quarterback for the Chargers since 2005.
September 20, 2020: Justin Herbert's First Start
Rookie quarterback Justin Herbert made his NFL debut on September 20, 2020, after an injury to starter Tyrod Taylor.
2020: Chargers Secure Preseason TV Deal
In 2020, the Chargers signed a multi-year preseason TV deal with KCBS-TV and KCAL-TV. This deal included a weekly show featuring team news and updates, replacing their previous partnership with KABC-TV which lasted three seasons.
2020: Justin Herbert Named Offensive Rookie of the Year
Justin Herbert, quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, was honored as the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
2020: Chargers Preseason Games Broadcast on KCBS-TV
KCBS-TV became the broadcast home for the Los Angeles Chargers' preseason games, providing fans with television coverage of the team's preparation for the regular season.
2020: Holiday Bowl at Dignity Health Sports Park
The Holiday Bowl was held at Dignity Health Sports Park, showcasing college football talent at a different venue.
January 17, 2021: Brandon Staley Hired as Head Coach
The Chargers appointed Brandon Staley as their new head coach on January 17, 2021.
2021: Holiday Bowl Remains at Dignity Health Sports Park
The Holiday Bowl continued to be held at Dignity Health Sports Park, signifying the venue's suitability for hosting prominent football events.
2021: Chargers Improve but Miss Playoffs
The Chargers showed improvement in the 2021 NFL season, finishing with a 9-8 record but narrowly missing the playoffs.
January 10, 2022: Raiders Eliminate Chargers from Playoff Contention with Overtime Victory
The Chargers and Raiders faced off in a pivotal Week 18 matchup on January 10, 2022, with playoff implications hanging in the balance. The game went into overtime, and the Raiders emerged victorious with a 35-32 scoreline. The decisive field goal, while securing the win for the Raiders, was inconsequential to their playoff hopes as a tie would have sent both teams to the postseason. The Chargers, on the other hand, saw their playoff aspirations dashed with the loss, adding another layer of intensity to this heated rivalry.
February 3, 2022: Ryan Ficken Joins as Special Teams Coordinator
Ryan Ficken was appointed as the Chargers' special teams coordinator on February 3, 2022.
August 2022: Chargers Ranked 20th Most Valuable NFL Team
In August 2022, Forbes valued the Los Angeles Chargers at $3.875 billion, positioning them as the 20th most valuable NFL franchise.
2022: Chiefs Maintain Lead in Series
As of the end of the 2022 season, the Kansas City Chiefs maintained their lead over the Los Angeles Chargers with a head-to-head record of 66-58-1.
2022: Broncos Dominate Head-to-Head Record
By the end of the 2022 season, the Denver Broncos held a commanding lead in their head-to-head matchups against the Los Angeles Chargers with a record of 70-54-1.
2022: Chargers Win First Matchup at SoFi Stadium
The Chargers and Rams faced off at SoFi Stadium, the new home stadium for both teams, for the first time. The Chargers emerged victorious in this game, adding another layer to the evolving narrative of their rivalry with the Rams.
2022: Holiday Bowl Returns to Snapdragon Stadium
The Holiday Bowl returned to Snapdragon Stadium, marking a shift in venue for the college football game.
January 17, 2023: Offensive Coaching Changes
The Chargers made changes to their offensive coaching staff on January 17, 2023, firing offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and quarterbacks coach Shane Day.
December 15, 2023: Staley and Telesco Fired
Following a heavy defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Chargers dismissed head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco on December 15, 2023.
January 24, 2024: Jim Harbaugh Returns as Head Coach
The Chargers appointed Jim Harbaugh as their new head coach on January 24, 2024, marking his return to the franchise where he previously played as a quarterback.
May 18, 2024: Roster Update
The Los Angeles Chargers updated their roster on this date, indicating potential player acquisitions, releases, or other roster adjustments.