1979 San Diego Chargers season

The 1979 San Diego Chargers season began with the team trying to improve on their 9–7 record in 1978. They made the playoffs for the first time in 14 years. It ended with a playoff loss to the Oilers.

As part of a marketing campaign, the Chargers created their fight song, "San Diego Super Chargers".

Regular season
On opening day in The Kingdome on September 2, the Chargers beat the Seattle Seahawks 33–14. Clarence Williams rushed for 2 touchdwons. Rolf Benirschke kicked 4 field goals, and Dan Fouts passed for 224 yards.

In week 2, Fouts had 3 touchdowns and linebacker Woodrow Lowe returned a Ken Anderson pass 32 yards for a score as San Diego beats the Oakland Raiders 30–10.

The next week, San Diego got a come-from-behind win over the Buffalo Bills as Clarence Williams picked up 157 yards on 18 carries and had a team-record 4 rushing TDs.

In week 4, Chargers lost to the New England Patriots 27–21. Patriot linebacker Steve Nelson preserved the victory with an interception of a Dan Fouts pass on the New England 2-yard line with 1:37 remaining in the game.

Awards and honors

 * Sporting News Executive of the Year: John Sanders
 * UPI Player of the Year: Dan Fouts