Sept. 2, 2010
SAN DIEGO - The San Diego State University football team will honor legendary head coach Don Coryell during Saturday's season-opener against Nicholls State at Qualcomm Stadium. The former Aztec and San Diego Chargers' head coach passed away July 1 at the age of 85.
Members of the Coryell family will be on hand at Saturday's game for a special ceremony during a break in the action in the first quarter. A video celebrating his life will be played on the Jumbotron, while the family will be presented with an honorary SDSU No. 1 football jersey with the Coryell name on the back.
Brady Hoke's team will also honor Coryell for the duration of the 2010 season. The Aztecs will wear black and gold "DC" memorial decals on the back of their helmet each time they take the field.
Hired in 1961, Coryell compiled an astounding 104-19-2 record at San Diego State. In his 12 seasons at the helm, SDSU posted winning streaks of 31 and 25 games and won two national college division championships. SDSU won three bowl games and secured Division I status in 1969. He left an undeniable impact on the University, sending 42 draft picks to the NFL and revolutionizing the modern passing game in college football.
Kickoff for Saturday's game is set for 5 p.m. Tickets start at just $5 each, and all fans in attendance will receive a souvenir football poster. Tickets are available online at GoAztecs.com, Ticketmaster.com, in person at the SDSU Qualcomm Stadium ticket office (window E) or any Southern California Ticketmaster outlet and by phone at 619-283-SDSU (7378).