1975 San Diego Chargers season
The 1975 San Diego Chargers season was the franchise's sixth season in the National Football League (NFL), and its 16th overall. The team were seeking to improve on their 5–9 record in 1974, but they lost their first eleven games amidst attendances under 30,000.
| 1975 San Diego Chargers season | |
|---|---|
| Owner | Eugene V. Klein |
| General manager | Harland Svare |
| Head coach | Tommy Prothro |
| Home field | San Diego Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 2–12 |
| Division place | 4th AFC West |
| Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
| Pro Bowlers | 1
|
| AP All-Pros | None |
By the beginning of December, the prospect of the first winless and tieless season since World War II loomed, and led to serious discussion of the Chargers’ plight in the press. San Diego eventually finished 2–12, tying the New Orleans Saints for the NFL's worst record. The team suffered badly from injuries, most critically running back Don Woods, who had been AFC Rookie of the Year in 1974 but played only the first four games in this season. Quarterback Dan Fouts had a difficult campaign, throwing only two touchdowns in nine starts. 1975 would remain as the Chargers’ poorest record until they went 1–15 in 2000.
More positively, the Chargers draft class of 1975 proved to be a success, with ESPN naming it the franchise's best in a 2009 article. Defensive linemen Gary "Big Hands" Johnson, Louie Kelcher and Fred Dean would go on to form three quarters of San Diego's Bruise Brothers unit, with each of the three being named a first team All-Pro by the Associated Press at least once during their careers. Other selections included defensive backs Mike Williams and Mike Fuller, and tackle Billy Shields, each of whom would start at least 70 games for the Chargers.