Air Coryell

Air Coryell isn’t an airline. It’s a philosophy of vertical offense created by San Diego coach Don Coryell.

Most teams used play action fakes and pro offensive set against defensive orders. This method had a disadvantage – the formation needed a couple of backs to protect the quarterback. The other participants were Tight End, two wide receivers. The backs – H and F – were split behind the quarterback. The latter could take snaps from the center as it was more effective than the shotguns.

Coryell emphasized the offense with motion and rhythm. He made the wide receivers unjammed. The players in motion are hard for defenders. Tight ends and running backs included in motion too. QB’s pre-snap reads became easier. The defenders had to control the receiver’s direction. Now, most offenses use this formula. These changes helped Coryell to win about 100 games at both career levels – college and professional, respectively.