What Is 1977 Long Beach State 49ers football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1977 Long Beach State 49ers football team represented California State University, Long Beach during the NCAA Division I football season, finishing with a 7–4 record under head coach Dave Currey. This marked the program's first winning season since 1970 and included a notable 24–21 victory over in-state rival San Jose State. The team played its home games at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach.

Key Facts

The 1977 Long Beach State 49ers finished with a 7–4 overall record
Head coach Dave Currey led the team in his second season
The 49ers defeated San Jose State 24–21 in a key non-conference game
Home games were played at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach
The team outscored opponents 277 to 232 for the season

Overview

The 1977 Long Beach State 49ers football team represented California State University, Long Beach in the NCAA Division I football season. Competing as an independent program, the team achieved a 7–4 record, marking a significant improvement from previous years and signaling a resurgence under head coach Dave Currey.

Playing their home games at Veterans Memorial Stadium, the 49ers showcased a balanced offense and improved defense compared to prior seasons. The season included notable wins and close losses, reflecting a competitive team on the rise in the college football landscape of the late 1970s.

Record: The team finished with a 7–4 overall record, their first winning season since 1970 and a major step forward for the program.
Head Coach:Dave Currey, in his second year, implemented a more aggressive offensive scheme that helped boost scoring output.
Home Stadium: All home games were played at Veterans Memorial Stadium, a 13,000-seat facility in Long Beach, California.
Key Victory: A 24–21 win over San Jose State stood out as the team's most significant non-conference victory of the season.
Scoring: The 49ers scored 277 total points while allowing 232, demonstrating improved offensive and defensive balance.

Performance Highlights

The 1977 season featured several standout games and statistical achievements that defined the team’s identity. The offense relied on a combination of a strong passing attack and consistent ground game, while the defense tightened in key moments to secure narrow wins.

Passing Game: Quarterback Tommy Prothro Jr. threw for 1,842 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading the Big West Conference in passing efficiency.
Receiving Leader: Wide receiver Mike Williams recorded 68 receptions for 912 yards, becoming a go-to target in crucial drives.
Defensive Standout: Linebacker Ken Johnson tallied 112 tackles and 4 interceptions, anchoring the defense throughout the season.
Season Opener: The 49ers opened with a 27–20 win over Cal Poly, setting a positive tone for the campaign.
Close Losses: Three of the four losses were by seven points or fewer, indicating the team was competitive in nearly every game.
Final Game: The season concluded with a 28–24 loss to UC Santa Barbara, a game that could have improved their final record with a few key plays.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1977 season compared favorably to recent years, both in win total and overall performance. The following table highlights key metrics against the prior two seasons:

Season	Record	Points For	Points Against	Head Coach
1977	7–4	277	232	Dave Currey
1976	4–7	189	267	Dave Currey
1975	3–8	164	281	Jim Stangeland
1974	4–7	175	244	Jim Stangeland
1973	3–8	158	256	Jim Stangeland

The data clearly shows a marked improvement in 1977, with a 3-win increase over 1976 and a significant reduction in points allowed. The offensive output rose by nearly 90 points, reflecting better execution and player development under Currey’s leadership. This upward trend suggested the program was building momentum, though it would eventually be discontinued in 1991.

Why It Matters

The 1977 season is remembered as a turning point for Long Beach State football, representing the most successful year in over half a decade. It provided hope for the program’s future and showcased talent that would influence subsequent seasons before the sport was ultimately cut.

Program Momentum: The 7–4 record generated increased student and community interest in the football team.
Player Development: Several players, like Mike Williams, earned All-Conference honors and pursued pro opportunities.
Coaching Progress: Dave Currey proved he could elevate performance, gaining recognition in coaching circles.
Historical Context: This season was part of a brief revival before the program was discontinued in 1991 due to budget cuts.
Legacy: Alumni and fans still cite 1977 as one of the brighter years in 49ers football history.
Impact on Athletics: The success briefly shifted focus toward football, though the university later prioritized other sports.

Ultimately, the 1977 Long Beach State 49ers stand as a symbol of what might have been, a competitive team that showed promise during a transitional era in college athletics.