1991 San Diego Chargers season
The 1991 San Diego Chargers season was the franchise's 22nd season in the National Football League (NFL), the 32nd overall and the third and final season under head coach Dan Henning. The team failed to improve on their 6–10 record in 1990, losing eight of their first nine games and finishing at 4-12, their fourth consecutive losing season.
| 1991 San Diego Chargers season | |
|---|---|
| Owner | Alex Spanos |
| General manager | Bobby Beathard |
| Head coach | Dan Henning |
| Home field | Jack Murphy Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 4–12 |
| Division place | 5th AFC West |
| Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
| Pro Bowlers | 1
|
| AP All-Pros | None |
San Diego's poor record contrasted with a roughly average statistical season. They struggled in close games, going 2–8 when the margin was seven points or fewer; during Henning's reign, they were a cumulative 6–22 in such games. The Chargers did manage some good wins, defeating two teams (the Los Angeles Raiders and the New Orleans Saints) who made the playoffs in 1991, and a third (the Miami Dolphins) who missed the postseason only because of their defeat in San Diego.
2nd-year quarterback John Friesz won a preseason battle with Billy Joe Tolliver for the starting role, but struggled throughout the season, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns. The Chargers' passing offense was among the NFL's weakest, but their running game, featuring Marion Butts, Rod Bernstine and Ronnie Harmon, ranked second in the league with over 2,200 yards. San Diego's defense regressed in ranking, dropping from 5th in total yardage the previous year to 19th in 1991. Despite this, Leslie O'Neal, Junior Seau and Gill Byrd again had strong seasons, with Seau voted to the first of 12 consecutive Pro Bowls.
Henning, together with his entire coaching staff, was fired by general manager Bobby Beathard the day after the season ended.