2004 San Diego Chargers season

The 2004 San Diego Chargers season began with the team trying to improve on their 4–12 record in 2003. They finished the campaign 1st in their division and made the playoffs for the first time in nine years. In the playoffs they lost in overtime to the New York Jets. At the end of the season Marty Schottenheimer was named NFL Coach of the Year.

NFL draft
With the first pick overall, the Chargers drafted Eli Manning. Manning would be traded to the New York Giants in exchange for Philip Rivers and several draft picks.