Editing Los Angeles Chargers (section)

==History==
{{Main|History of the Los Angeles Chargers}}

=== First season in Los Angeles (1960) ===
The Chargers were established with seven other American Football League teams in 1959. They began AFL play in [[Los Angeles]] the following year in 1960.<ref name="Chronology" /> The Chargers' original owner was hotel heir [[Barron Hilton]], son of [[Hilton Hotels]] founder [[Conrad Hilton]].<ref name="Chronology" /> According to the official website of the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]], Barron Hilton agreed after his general manager, Frank Leahy, picked the Chargers name when he purchased an AFL franchise for Los Angeles: "I liked it because they were yelling ‘charge’ and sounding the bugle at Dodger Stadium and at USC games."<ref>{{cite web|title=Franchise nicknames|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/news/franchise-nicknames/|publisher=[[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]|date=January 1, 2005|access-date=December 26, 2015|archive-date=January 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121222737/http://www.profootballhof.com/news/franchise-nicknames/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== San Diego (1961–2016)===
{{main|San Diego Chargers}}
In December 1960, the Chargers considered moving to [[San Diego]], [[Atlanta]], or [[Seattle]], ultimately relocating to San Diego’s [[Balboa Stadium]] in January 1961, due to financial losses in Los Angeles. The city upgraded the stadium, increasing its seating capacity to 34,000. The Chargers’ defense was strong, recording forty-nine interceptions in their first season in San Diego. They won the AFL title against the Boston Patriots in 1963, but lost in the 1964 and 1965 championships to the [[Buffalo Bills]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Championship - Boston Patriots at San Diego Chargers - January 5th, 1964 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196401050sdg.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Championship - San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Bills - December 26th, 1964 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196412260buf.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Championship - Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers - December 26th, 1965 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196512260sdg.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In the late 1960s, the Chargers faced ownership changes and financial difficulties. In 1966, Hilton sold the team to a group of executives, including [[Eugene V. Klein]] and [[Sam Schulman]]. The team moved to [[San Diego Stadium]] in 1967 and continued to perform well, though not winning any championships. By 1970, they had joined the [[NFL]] following the [[AFL-NFL merger]]. The team struggled in the early 1970s, with coaching changes and a decline in performance, finishing with a 2–11–1 record in 1973.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1973 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1973.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The Chargers hired [[Don Coryell]] as head coach in 1978, introducing the "Air Coryell" offense, a pass-heavy strategy that revitalized the team's performance.<ref name="s071">{{cite web | last=Smith | first=Eric | title=Don Coryell: A Chargers Legend Lands in Canton | website=Chargers.com | date=2023-08-05 | url=https://www.chargers.com/news/don-coryell-hall-of-fame-chargers-coach-canton-ohio | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref><ref name="r517">{{cite web | last=Domowitch | first=Paul | title=How Don Coryell Changed Football Offenses Forever | website=The 33rd Team | date=2023-08-04 | url=https://www.the33rdteam.com/how-don-coryell-changed-football-offenses-forever/ | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> With quarterback [[Dan Fouts]], the Chargers led the league in passing yards from 1978 to 1983 and again in 1985. The team made four consecutive playoff appearances from 1979 to 1982, winning three [[AFC West]] division titles. Despite regular-season success, the Chargers faced challenges in the playoffs, including the famous "[[Epic in Miami]]" game in 1981.<ref name="g189">{{cite web | last=Elwood | first=Hayley | title=The Epoch of the Epic in Miami | website=Chargers.com | date=2021-01-02 | url=https://www.chargers.com/news/longform/the-epoch-of-the-epic-in-miami | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref>

The 1990s brought further changes, including the hiring of [[Bobby Ross]] as head coach in 1992.<ref name="j296">{{cite web | last=Simers | first=T.J. | title=ANALYSIS : A Hard Start to Ross' Reign : Chargers: Rookie coach is learning on the job, and the result is four consecutive losses to begin the season. | website=Los Angeles Times | date=1992-10-02 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-10-02-sp-287-story.html | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> The Chargers won the AFC West title in 1992 and reached the [[Super Bowl XXIX|Super Bowl]] for the first time in 1994, losing to the [[San Francisco 49ers]] 49–26.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1994 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/1994.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XXIX - San Diego Chargers vs. San Francisco 49ers - January 29th, 1995 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199501290sdg.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Marty Schottenheimer was named as Chargers head coach prior to the 2002 season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 27, 2002 |title=Schottenheimer finalizes deal to coach Chargers |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/2002/0127/1318643.html |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> He led the team to a 8–8 record in his first season at the helm.<ref name="t669">{{cite web | title=2002 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees | website=[[Pro Football Reference]] | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2002.htm | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref> The team dropped to a 4–12 mark in the 2003 season.<ref name="g513">{{cite web | title=2003 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees | website=[[Pro Football Reference]] | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2003.htm | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref> The Chargers drafted Eli Manning with the first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. However, Manning did not want to play for the Chargers resulting in a trade with the Giants for quarterback Philip Rivers, who was their first round pick.<ref name="g850">{{cite web | last=Breech | first=John | title=Eli Manning finally reveals why he refused to play for Chargers after they took him with the top pick in 2004 | website=CBSSports.com | date=2016-06-28 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/eli-manning-finally-reveals-why-he-refused-to-play-for-chargers-after-they-took-him-with-the-top-pick-in-2004/ | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> The Chargers improved to a 12–4 record in the 2004 season. They won the AFC West.<ref name="v476">{{cite web | title=2004 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees | website=[[Pro Football Reference]]  | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2004.htm | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref> Their stint in the postseason was short as they dropped the Wild Card Round to the Jets.<ref name="r720">{{cite web | last=Center | first=Bill | title=Chargers playoff history | website=San Diego Union-Tribune | date=2014-01-02 | url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2014/01/02/chargers-playoff-history/ | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref> The Chargers went 9–7 but missed the postseason in the 2005 season.<ref name="r891">{{cite web | title=2005 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees | website=[[Pro Football Reference]] | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2005.htm | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref> Rivers took over as starting quarterback in the 2006 season. Rivers went on to be the franchise quarterback for the Chargers.<ref name="y064">{{cite web | last=Reed | first=Jason | title=Philip Rivers' retirement officially ends the best era in Chargers history | website=Bolt Beat | date=2021-01-20 | url=https://boltbeat.com/2021/01/20/la-chargers-philip-rivers-retires-era/ | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref> In the 2006 season, the Chargers won the division and went 14–2, the best record in franchise history.<ref name="f204">{{cite web | title=2006 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees | website=[[Pro Football Reference]] | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2006.htm | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref><ref name="e693">{{cite web | title=2006 NFL Standings & Team Stats | website=[[Pro Football Reference]] | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/ | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref> The team was eliminated in the Divisional Round by the New England Patriots.<ref name="g171">{{cite web | last=Clayton | first=John | title=Clayton: Patriots teach Chargers a lesson | website=ESPN.com | date=2007-01-15 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs06/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=2731470 | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref> Despite the historic season for the Chargers, the team fired Schottenheimer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-02-13 |title=About face: Chargers fire head coach Schottenheimer |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2763552 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

Prior to the 2007 season, the Chargers named Norv Turner as head coach.<ref name="z338">{{cite web | last=Pasquarelli | first=Len | title=Chargers hire Turner as coach | website=ESPN.com | date=2007-02-19 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2771126 | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref> In his first season at the helm, Turner led the Chargers to an AFC West title.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2007.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The team defeated the Titans in the Wild Card Round and the Colts in the Divisional Round before falling to the Patriots in the AFC Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Tennessee Titans at San Diego Chargers - January 6th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200801060sdg.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts - January 13th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200801130clt.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship - San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots - January 20th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200801200nwe.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The team regressed to a 8–8 record in the 2008 season. However, they still won the division.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2008.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They defeated the Colts in the Wild Card Round before falling to the Steelers in the Divisional Round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers - January 3rd, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200901030sdg.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers - January 11th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200901110pit.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the 2009 season, the Chargers went 13–3 and won the division again.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2009.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The success was short lived in the postseason with a 17–14 loss in the Divisional Round to the Jets.<ref name="e548">{{cite web | title=CHARGERS: Bolts have bad taste from losing to Jets in the playoffs | website=San Diego Union-Tribune | date=2010-01-12 | url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2010/01/12/chargers-bolts-have-bad-taste-from-losing-to-jets-in-the-playoffs/ | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref> In the 2010 season, the Chargers went 9–7 but missed the postseason for the first time under Turner. Five of the Chargers' seven losses were within one possession.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2010 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2010.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the 2011 season, the team went 8–8 and missed the postseason.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2011.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the 2012 season, the team went 7–9, missed the postseason, and fired Turner following the season.<ref name="k149">{{cite web | title=2012 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports | website=[[Pro Football Reference]] | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2012.htm | access-date=2024-08-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schefter |first=Adam |date=2012-12-31 |title=Turner, GM Smith both dismissed by Chargers |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8795549/san-diego-chargers-fire-norv-turner-aj-smith |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

Prior to the 2013 season, the Chargers hired Mike McCoy to be their new head coach.<ref name="q638">{{cite web | title=Chargers hire Mike McCoy as head coach | website=NBC Sports Philadelphia | date=2013-01-15 | url=https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/news/chargers-hire-mike-mccoy-as-head-coach/278934/ | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> In the 2013 season, the Chargers went 9–7 and made the playoffs despite a 3rd-place finish in the AFC West.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2013.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Chargers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 27–10 in the Wild Card Round before falling to the Denver Broncos 24–17 in the Divisional Round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals - January 5th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201401050cin.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="g138">{{cite web | last=Stapleton | first=Arnie | title=Manning, Broncos Beat Chargers 24-17 | website=NBC Bay Area | date=2014-01-12 | url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/manning-broncos-beat-chargers-24-17/92574/ | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> In the 2014 season, the Chargers went 9–7 again but missed the postseason.<ref name="e097">{{cite web | title=Chargers miss playoffs for 4th time in 5 seasons | website=USA TODAY | date=2014-12-30 | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/12/30/chargers-miss-playoffs-for-4th-time-in-5-seasons/21074203/ | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> In the 2015 season, the Chargers went 4–12.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2015.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the 2016 season, the Chargers went 5–11 and missed the post season for the third consecutive season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 San Diego Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2016.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The team parted ways with Mike McCoy as head coach following the season.<ref name="p698">{{cite web | last=Sessler | first=Marc | title=Chargers fire Mike McCoy after four seasons at helm | website=NFL.com | date=2017-01-01 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chargers-fire-mike-mccoy-after-four-seasons-at-helm-0ap3000000767801 | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> In 2017, the Chargers relocated back to Los Angeles.<ref name="b354">{{cite web | last1=Trotter | first1=Jim | last2=Williams | first2=Eric D. | title=Chargers reveal plan to bolt for Los Angeles | website=ESPN.com | date=2017-01-12 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18458293/chargers-announce-move-los-angeles-leaving-san-diego | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref>

=== Return to Los Angeles (2017–present)===
[[File:LA_Galaxy_vs_Houston_Dynamo-_Western_Conference_Finals_panorama.jpg|thumb|[[Dignity Health Sports Park]], a soccer-specific stadium that seats 30,000, served as the Chargers' temporary home from 2017 until 2019.]]
Chargers owner [[Dean Spanos]] announced the move in a letter to the city of San Diego posted to the team's official site on January 12, 2017.<ref name="SpanosLetter"/> The team, which would pay the NFL a $645 million relocation fee<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rovell |first=Darren |date=July 12, 2017 |title=Sources: Moves to cost Rams, Chargers $645M |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/19975109/relocation-cost-los-angeles-rams-los-angeles-chargers-645m |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109042057/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/19975109/relocation-cost-los-angeles-rams-los-angeles-chargers-645m |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |access-date=February 17, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> announced it would be returning to their birthplace in Los Angeles starting with the [[2017 NFL season|2017 season]] at [[Dignity Health Sports Park]] in [[Carson, California]],<ref name="SpanosLetter" /><ref name="ChargersMoveToLA" /><ref name="Brent" /> despite the stadium's 30,000 seating capacity being well below the 50,000 minimum that the NFL set for temporary homes. The home of [[Major League Soccer]]'s [[LA Galaxy]] served as the Chargers' temporary home field until they joined the Rams at [[SoFi Stadium]] in Inglewood starting with the [[2020 NFL season]]. The Chargers became the second former San Diego professional sports franchise to move to Los Angeles, after the [[Los Angeles Clippers|Clippers]] in 1984.

One week after the move from San Diego to Los Angeles was announced, ESPN's [[Adam Schefter]] reported that the other NFL owners were "angered" by the decision, and that "the NFL wants the Chargers to move back, though nobody believes that possibility is realistic."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Schefter|first1=Adam|title=Mover's remorse in San Diego|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18510320/nfl-2016-chris-mortensen-adam-schefter-championship-round-notebook-chip-kelly-bill-belichick-kirk-cousins-antonio-brown-more|work=ESPN.com|date=January 20, 2017|access-date=February 1, 2017|archive-date=January 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128143832/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18510320/nfl-2016-chris-mortensen-adam-schefter-championship-round-notebook-chip-kelly-bill-belichick-kirk-cousins-antonio-brown-more|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Anthony Lynn years (2017–2020) ====
On January 13, the Chargers fired defensive coordinator [[John Pagano]].<ref>{{cite news |title=John Pagano found out he was fired by Chargers through media |url=http://sportsnaut.com/2017/01/john-pagano-found-out-he-was-fired-by-chargers-through-media/ |author=Wold, Rachel |date=January 13, 2017 |access-date=January 13, 2017 |work=Sportsnaut |archive-date=January 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116152445/http://sportsnaut.com/2017/01/john-pagano-found-out-he-was-fired-by-chargers-through-media/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It took the team one week to find a replacement for Pagano, as they hired [[Gus Bradley]] on January 20. Bradley was formerly the head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and before landing that head coaching job was the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. The Chargers also announced they had hired [[Anthony Lynn]] to be their next head coach.<ref name="Chargers Hire Anthony Lynn">{{cite news|last=Rosenthal|first=Gregg|title=Chargers hire Anthony Lynn as their new head coach|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chargers-hire-anthony-lynn-as-their-new-head-coach-0ap3000000773571|publisher=National Football League|date=January 13, 2017|access-date=January 15, 2017|archive-date=January 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114201507/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000773571/article/chargers-hire-anthony-lynn-as-their-new-head-coach|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Los Angeles Chargers Hire Anthony Lynn as Head Coach|url=http://www.chargers.com/news/2017/01/13/los-angeles-chargers-hire-anthony-lynn-head-coach|publisher=Los Angeles Chargers|date=January 13, 2017|access-date=August 27, 2017|archive-date=August 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827124410/http://www.chargers.com/news/2017/01/13/los-angeles-chargers-hire-anthony-lynn-head-coach|url-status=live}}</ref>

In their first game back in [[Los Angeles]] at StubHub Center included an announced attendance was just over 25,000, divided "around 50/50" between fans of the Chargers and the visiting Miami Dolphins.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Markazi|first1=Arash|title=Chargers games are actually loud! There's just one problem|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20740933/nfl-2017-25381-fans-attendance-los-angeles-chargers-games-actually-loud-there-just-one-problem|publisher=ESPN|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=September 17, 2017|archive-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924064804/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20740933/nfl-2017-25381-fans-attendance-los-angeles-chargers-games-actually-loud-there-just-one-problem|url-status=live}}</ref> After the poor response, the NFL was reportedly considering ways to move the Chargers back to San Diego, although that possibility was considered unlikely.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Farmer|first1=Sam|title=Chargers moving back to San Diego? Not much of a chance|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-chargers-back-to-san-diego-20170922-story.html|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=September 25, 2017|date=September 22, 2017|archive-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925034126/http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-chargers-back-to-san-diego-20170922-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The league officially denied that such discussions were happening, as San Diego was stated not to have a usable stadium and that the Spanos family refuses to consider going back to the city; the league did acknowledge that a vote of the owners could change the situation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/no-discussions-of-chargers-moving-back-to-san-diego-0ap3000000857633|title=No discussions of Chargers moving back to San Diego|first=Ian|last=Rapoport|work=NFL.com|date=October 8, 2017|access-date=October 8, 2017|archive-date=October 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009042825/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000857633/article/no-discussions-of-chargers-moving-back-to-san-diego|url-status=live}}</ref> The team had a 9–7 record, but missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive time.<ref name="h022">{{cite web | title=Chargers rout Raiders 30-10, miss playoffs; Del Rio fired | website=USA TODAY | date=2018-01-01 | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2017/12/31/chargers-rout-raiders-30-10-but-playoff-chase-falls-short/109067520/ | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref>

After a 12–4 regular season record, the Chargers qualified for the 2018 playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 Los Angeles Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2018.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The team defeated the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round, but lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots in the Divisional round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Los Angeles Chargers at Baltimore Ravens - January 6th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201901060rav.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots - January 13th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201901130nwe.htm |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> However, Chargers' attendance problems continued into their second season. For instance, there were so many fans of the visiting [[Kansas City Chiefs]] at the Chargers' 2018 home opener that ''USA Today'' remarked it "was essentially a Chiefs home game".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Joseph |first1=Andrew |title=Visiting fans are taking over Chargers' stadium |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ftw/2018/09/09/visiting-fans-are-still-taking-over-the-los-angeles-chargers-stadium/111296530/ |website=USA Today |access-date=September 20, 2018 |date=September 9, 2018 |archive-date=September 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920045759/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ftw/2018/09/09/visiting-fans-are-still-taking-over-the-los-angeles-chargers-stadium/111296530/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2018, a ''Los Angeles Times'' columnist asked if the Chargers would receive a parade in the city if they were to win the Super Bowl.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hernández |first=Dylan  |date=December 2018 |title=Chargers' win raises a serious question for L.A. and its football fans |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/la-sp-chargers-bengals-hernandez-20181209-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210113424/https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/la-sp-chargers-bengals-hernandez-20181209-story.html |archive-date=December 10, 2018 |access-date=December 9, 2018 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref>

The team's struggles to draw fans reportedly led them to lower their initial revenue goal when they moved into the new stadium from $400 million to $150 million, and caused some owners to doubt the Chargers' viability in Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Graziano |first1=Dan |title=Sources: Owners discuss viability of LA Chargers |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25008111/nfl-owners-discuss-viability-chargers-los-angeles-according-sources |website=ESPN.com |access-date=October 17, 2018 |date=October 17, 2018 |archive-date=October 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017211350/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25008111/nfl-owners-discuss-viability-chargers-los-angeles-according-sources |url-status=live }}</ref> Beyond low attendance, the Chargers receive only 18.75% of [[personal seat license|season ticket]] revenues through 2040, contributing to the reduced goal.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Fenno|first1=Nathan|title=If Chargers move here, it seems likely they'd be Stan Kroenke's tenant|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-nfl-la-chargers-20160129-20-story.html|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=December 1, 2022|date=January 28, 2016|archive-date=August 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810220432/https://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-nfl-la-chargers-20160129-20-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the 2019 season, the Chargers had a poor 5–11 record, and were swept by their division.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 Los Angeles Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2019.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Rivers entered free agency and ended his long tenure as the Chargers' starting quarterback.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-10 |title=Rivers to enter free agency, ending Chargers run |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28672132/philip-rivers-enter-free-agency-ending-16-year-run-chargers |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

On September 13, 2020, [[Tyrod Taylor]] became the starting quarterback for the Chargers and the first new quarterback to start since Philip Rivers' starting debut on December 31, 2005.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hayre|first1=Chris|title=10 Insights to Tyrod Taylor|url=https://www.chargers.com/news/10-insights-tyrod-taylor-starting-quarterback|publisher=Chargers|access-date=December 17, 2020|date=September 10, 2020|archive-date=December 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201143332/https://www.chargers.com/news/10-insights-tyrod-taylor-starting-quarterback|url-status=live}}</ref> He led them to win 16–13 due to a missed field goal by the Bengals. On September 20, 2020, Taylor suffered a punctured lung while receiving a pain-killing injection, forcing rookie quarterback [[Justin Herbert]] to start.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Schefter|first1=Adam|title=Chargers QB Tyrod Taylor's lung punctured by team doctor before Chiefs game|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29952469/chargers-qb-tyrod-taylor-lung-punctured-team-doc-sources-say|publisher=ESPN|access-date=December 1, 2022|date=September 23, 2020|archive-date=November 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102045804/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29952469/chargers-qb-tyrod-taylor-lung-punctured-team-doc-sources-say|url-status=live}}</ref> Herbert led the team to a narrow loss against the Chiefs, 23–20, in his first start. In week 13, the Chargers lost to the Patriots, 45–0, in the worst blowout loss in team history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Shelley |date=December 7, 2020 |title=Chargers hit rock bottom in record-setting, 45–0 blowout loss to Patriots |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-chargers/post/_/id/27868/chargers-hit-rock-bottom-in-record-setting-45-0-blowout-loss-to-patriots |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105045329/https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-chargers/post/_/id/27868/chargers-hit-rock-bottom-in-record-setting-45-0-blowout-loss-to-patriots |archive-date=January 5, 2021 |access-date=January 29, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The season concluded in a 38–21 win over the Chiefs. Justin Herbert broke multiple rookie records throughout the season, but despite his record-breaking season, the Chargers finished the season with a 7–9 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 Los Angeles Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2020.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> At the conclusion of the 2020 season, the organization announced that Lynn was fired as head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Shelley  |date=January 4, 2021 |title=Los Angeles Chargers fire Anthony Lynn after four seasons as coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30650606/los-angeles-chargers-fire-anthony-lynn-four-seasons-coach |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104165935/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30650606/los-angeles-chargers-fire-anthony-lynn-four-seasons-coach |archive-date=January 4, 2021 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

====Brandon Staley years (2021–2023)====
[[File:SoFi Stadium interior 2021.jpg|thumb|right|SoFi Stadium in 2021]]
The Chargers signed Rams defensive coordinator [[Brandon Staley]] to become their new head coach on January 17, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 17, 2021 |title=Chargers hire Rams DC Brandon Staley as head coach |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2021/01/17/los-angeles-chargers-hiring-brandon-staley-as-head-coach/115327138/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208083929/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2021/01/17/los-angeles-chargers-hiring-brandon-staley-as-head-coach/115327138/ |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |access-date=January 29, 2021 |website=[[USA Today]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Brandon Staley brought in Saints quarterbacks coach [[Joe Lombardi]], grandson of [[Vince Lombardi]], as the new offensive coordinator, and [[Renaldo Hill]], Broncos defensive backs coach, as their new defensive coordinator.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chargers-hiring-saints-qbs-coach-joe-lombardi-as-offensive-coordinator |title=Chargers hire Saints QBS coach Joe Lombardi as offensive coordinator |website=[[NFL.com]] |access-date=January 29, 2021 |archive-date=January 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128205804/https://www.nfl.com/news/chargers-hiring-saints-qbs-coach-joe-lombardi-as-offensive-coordinator |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lam |first=Quang M. |date=January 25, 2021 |title=Los Angeles Chargers hire Renaldo Hill to be defensive coordinator |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/los-angeles-chargers-hiring-renaldo-hill-to-be-defensive-coordinator |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128202141/https://www.nfl.com/news/los-angeles-chargers-hiring-renaldo-hill-to-be-defensive-coordinator |archive-date=January 28, 2021 |access-date=January 29, 2021 |website=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref>

In the 2021 season, the Chargers' record improved to 9–8 (with an extra 17th game added to the NFL regular season). Herbert broke numerous sophomore year records, but despite his and the rest of the team's efforts, the Chargers missed the playoffs in a week 18 [[Chargers–Raiders rivalry|win-or-tie-or-go-home]] overtime loss to the Raiders.<ref name="o966">{{cite web | last=Miller | first=Jeff | title=Chargers' season ends in 35-32 overtime loss to Las Vegas Raiders | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2022-01-10 | url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/liveblog/chargers-raiders-live-game-updates | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref>

On February 3, 2022, the Chargers hired Vikings special teams coordinator [[Ryan Ficken]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-03 |title=Los Angeles Chargers hire Ryan Ficken as special teams coordinator |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33209338/los-angeles-chargers-hire-ryan-ficken-special-teams-coordinator |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> In 2022, the Chargers announced the location of a new headquarters in [[El Segundo, California]].<ref name="g360">{{cite web | last=McCarriston | first=Shanna | title=Chargers break ground on 14-acre headquarters that will serve as new training camp location | website=CBSSports.com | date=2020-10-29 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/chargers-break-ground-on-14-acre-headquarters-that-will-serve-as-new-training-camp-location/ | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> The Chargers finished the [[2022 Los Angeles Chargers season|2022 NFL season]] with a 10–7 record and the 5th seed in the AFC. They lost in the Wild Card round of the playoffs to the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] after blowing a 27–0 lead in the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=January 15, 2023 |title=Chargers blow 27-point lead in historic postseason loss to Jaguars |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chargers-blow-27-point-lead-in-historic-postseason-loss-to-jaguars-the-toughest- |access-date=March 5, 2023 |website=[[NFL.com]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Despite the playoff loss, the Chargers were alleviating their attendance issues, with their average attendance during the 2022 season being in the top third of the league for a second consecutive year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2021 NFL Attendance Data |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2021/attendance.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 NFL Attendance Data |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2022/attendance.htm |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

On January 17, 2023, the Chargers fired offensive coordinator [[Joe Lombardi]] and quarterbacks coach [[Shane Day]].<ref name="t281">{{cite web | last=DeArdo | first=Bryan | title=Chargers fire OC Joe Lombardi, QB coach Shane Day following historic meltdown in NFL playoff loss to Jaguars | website=CBSSports.com | date=2023-01-17 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/chargers-fire-oc-joe-lombardi-qb-coach-shane-day-following-historic-meltdown-in-nfl-playoff-loss-to-jaguars/ | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> The Chargers hired former Cowboys offensive coordinator [[Kellen Moore]] to be their new offensive coordinator on January 31.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=January 30, 2023 |title=Chargers hire ex-Cowboys OC Kellen Moore as new offensive coordinator |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chargers-expected-to-hire-ex-cowboys-oc-kellen-moore-as-new-offensive-coordinato |access-date=March 5, 2023 |website=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref> Chargers defensive coordinator [[Renaldo Hill]] unexpectedly left the team on February 20 to join the Miami Dolphins as their secondary coach and passing game coordinator, with the vacancy being filled by the Chargers defensive backs coach [[Derrick Ansley]] on the same day.<ref name="w952">{{cite web | last=Conway | first=Tyler | title=NFL Rumors: Chargers DC Renaldo Hill to Join Dolphins Staff, Reunite with Vic Fangio | website=Bleacher Report | date=2023-02-20 | url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10066247-nfl-rumors-chargers-dc-renaldo-hill-to-join-dolphins-staff-reunite-with-vic-fangio | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

On December 15, 2023, head coach Brandon Staley and general manager [[Tom Telesco]] were fired, one day after a 63–21 primetime loss to the [[Las Vegas Raiders]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Chargers Part Ways with Head Coach Brandon Staley and General Manager Tom Telesco|url=https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-part-ways-head-coach-brandon-staley-general-manager-tom-telesco-2023|website=Chargers.com|date=December 15, 2023|access-date=December 15, 2023}}</ref> The Chargers finished the remainder of the season with interim head coach Giff Smith.<ref name="u771">{{cite web | title=Former Georgia Southern player and coach Giff Smith named interim head coach of Los Angeles Chargers | website=Statesboro Herald | date=2023-12-16 | url=https://www.statesboroherald.com/sports/former-georgia-southern-player-and-coach-giff-smith-named-interim-head-coach-los-angeles-chargers/ | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> The Chargers finished out the 2023 with a 5–12 record.<ref name="b949">{{cite web | last=Miller | first=Jeff | title=Chargers end miserable season in typical fashion, a loss to Chiefs in final seconds | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2024-01-08 | url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2024-01-07/chargers-miserable-season-lose-chiefs-final-seconds | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

====Jim Harbaugh (2024–present)====
The Chargers signed former [[Michigan Wolverines football|Michigan football]] coach [[Jim Harbaugh]] on January 24, 2024.<ref>{{cite web|title=Los Angeles Chargers Agree to Terms with Jim Harbaugh as Head Coach |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-name-jim-harbaugh-michigan-head-coach |website=chargers.com |date=January 24, 2024|access-date=January 24, 2024}}</ref> Harbaugh served as the coach for the [[San Francisco 49ers]] from 2011 to 2014. He went to [[Super Bowl XLVII]] with the 49ers where he lost to the [[Baltimore Ravens]].<ref name="q057">{{cite web | last=Martinez | first=Valentina | title=The Harbaugh Bowl: Revisiting Super Bowl XLVII | website=Chargers Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=2024-01-31 | url=https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2024/01/31/chargers-ravens-jim-john-harbaugh-super-bowl-47/ | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> He was the Michigan football coach from 2015 to 2024. There, he had a total record of 86–25 while reaching the college football playoffs three times, as well as winning the [[2024 College Football Playoff National Championship|2024 National Championship]].<ref name="y780">{{cite web | agency=Associated Press | title=Harbaugh to coach Chargers after leading Michigan to national title | website=WDET 101.9 FM | date=2024-01-25 | url=https://wdet.org/2024/01/25/harbaugh-returning-to-nfl-to-coach-chargers-after-leading-michigan-to-national-title/ | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> Prior to beginning his coaching career, Jim Harbaugh was a quarterback for the Chargers from 1999 to 2000.<ref name="s761">{{cite magazine | last=Brizuela | first=James | title=The History of Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=2024-01-31 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/chargers/news/the-history-of-chargers-hc-jim-harbaugh-jb13 | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

The Chargers finished the [[2024 Los Angeles Chargers season|2024 season]] with a improved record of 11-6, securing the 5th seed in the AFC.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 Los Angeles Chargers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2024.htm |access-date=2025-02-01 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> However, the Chargers lost to the [[Houston Texans]] in the Wild Card round of the [[2024–25 NFL playoffs|2024-25 NFL playoffs]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chargers-Texans on Wild Card Saturday: What We Learned from Houston's win |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chargers-texans-on-wild-card-saturday-what-we-learned-from-houston-s-win |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref>