What Is 1964 Long Beach State 49ers football

Overview

The 1964 Long Beach State 49ers football team marked a pivotal year in the program’s early development. Competing in the NCAA College Division (later known as Division II), the team was led by head coach Don Coryell, who was building a foundation for future success.

This season reflected both the growing pains and potential of a young football program. Though not nationally ranked, the 1964 campaign laid the groundwork for the more dominant teams that would emerge in the late 1960s.

• Season Record: The 49ers finished the 1964 season with a balanced 5–5 overall record, showing improvement in consistency under Coryell’s leadership.
• Head Coach:Don Coryell, in his third season, continued developing his innovative offensive strategies that would later define his Hall of Fame career.
• Classification: The team competed in the NCAA College Division, the precursor to modern NCAA Division II and Division I-AA.
• Conference Status: Long Beach State played as an independent in 1964, meaning they were not part of any formal athletic conference.
• Home Stadium: All home games were played at Veterans Memorial Stadium, a 15,000-seat venue located in Long Beach, California.

Season Structure and Performance

The 1964 campaign featured a challenging schedule that included regional opponents and emerging college programs. The team showed flashes of offensive promise but struggled with consistency on defense.

• Early Season: The 49ers opened the season with a win over Whittier College (21–14), setting a positive tone for the year.
• Mid-Season Struggles: A three-game losing streak in October, including a 27–7 loss to Cal Poly, highlighted defensive vulnerabilities.
• Offensive Standout: Quarterback Mike Montoya led the passing attack, throwing for over 800 yards and six touchdowns.
• Rushing Leader: Running back Bob Gaiters was the team’s top rusher, gaining 520 yards on the ground despite missing two games.
• Season Finale: The 49ers closed the year with a 20–13 victory over San Diego State, providing momentum heading into 1965.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 1964 49ers compared to prior and subsequent seasons:

The 1964 season served as a turning point, bridging early struggles with future success. Each year under Coryell brought incremental improvement, culminating in a 7–3 record in both 1965 and 1966. The steady rise in wins reflected Coryell’s growing influence and the program’s maturation.

Why It Matters

The 1964 Long Beach State 49ers represent a crucial chapter in the evolution of college football on the West Coast. Though not a national power at the time, the team helped establish a culture of competitiveness under one of the game’s most influential coaches.

• Coaching Legacy: Don Coryell’s tenure at Long Beach State launched a career that would later include NFL head coaching roles and a Pro Football Hall of Fame induction.
• Program Growth: The 1964 season demonstrated progress, helping attract better recruits and increased local support for future seasons.
• Offensive Innovation: Coryell’s early use of the passing game laid the foundation for what would become known as "Air Coryell" in the NFL.
• Historical Context: The team played during a time of significant change in college athletics, as smaller programs sought identity amid growing NCAA stratification.
• Community Impact: Football games at Veterans Memorial Stadium brought together Long Beach residents and helped strengthen school spirit.
• Legacy of the 49ers: Though the football program was discontinued in 1991, the 1964 team remains a symbol of the university’s athletic heritage.

While the 1964 season may not have produced a championship, it played a vital role in shaping the trajectory of Long Beach State athletics and the broader landscape of college football coaching.