What Is 2016 San Diego Chargers football team

Overview

The 2016 San Diego Chargers marked the franchise's 47th season in the NFL and their final year based in San Diego before relocating to Los Angeles. Competing in the AFC West division, the team struggled with consistency, finishing with a 5–11 record under head coach Mike McCoy.

Despite a strong offensive performance from quarterback Philip Rivers and a few standout defensive plays, the Chargers failed to secure a playoff berth for the fifth straight year. The season concluded with growing fan discontent over attendance and the team's future, culminating in the announcement of relocation to Los Angeles in January 2017.

• Record: The Chargers ended the 2016 season with a 5–11 win-loss record, their worst since 2000, placing them last in the AFC West.
• Head coach:Mike McCoy was dismissed after the season due to poor performance and internal team conflicts, finishing with a 38–40 record over five seasons.
• Final game in San Diego: The team played its last home game at Qualcomm Stadium on December 29, 2016, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 37–27.
• Passing leader: Quarterback Philip Rivers threw for 4,386 yards and 21 touchdowns with only 11 interceptions, maintaining a 93.8 passer rating.
• Relocation: On January 12, 2017, the team officially announced its move to Los Angeles, ending 56 years of history in San Diego.

Season Performance

The 2016 Chargers showed flashes of potential on offense but were plagued by defensive lapses and poor special teams play. Injuries to key players, including linebacker Melvin Ingram and running back Danny Woodhead, disrupted continuity throughout the season.

• Offensive output: The team averaged 22.6 points per game, ranking 17th in the NFL, with a balanced attack between Rivers’ passing and Melvin Gordon’s 875 rushing yards.
• Defensive struggles: San Diego allowed 27.0 points per game, the third-worst in the league, with the secondary surrendering over 260 passing yards per game.
• Turnover margin: The Chargers had a -6 turnover differential, forcing only 17 turnovers while committing 23, highlighting poor ball security.
• Home attendance: Average attendance at Qualcomm Stadium dipped to 48,805, down from previous years amid relocation rumors.
• Notable win: A 30–14 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 15 gave fans a brief playoff hope before a season-ending three-game losing streak.
• Injuries: Key absences included Danny Woodhead (ACL tear) and King Dunlap (concussion), weakening both offense and protection lines.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2016 Chargers compared to other AFC West teams in key statistical categories:

The table illustrates that while the Chargers scored more total points than two division rivals, their defense allowed the most in the AFC West. This imbalance between offense and defense was a core reason for their losing record despite individual standout performances.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was a pivotal moment in franchise history, symbolizing both the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in Los Angeles. The team's performance and fan response highlighted broader issues in NFL franchise stability, market size, and fan loyalty.

• Historical significance: The season marked the end of 56 years of Chargers football in San Diego, a city deeply connected to the team since 1961.
• Relocation impact: The move to LA reshaped NFL geography and intensified competition with the Rams for Southern California fans.
• Player legacy: Philip Rivers solidified his status as a franchise icon, despite playing for a losing team, with 4,386 passing yards in his age-35 season.
• Attendance trends: Declining home game attendance reflected fan frustration over ownership decisions and lack of competitive success.
• Coaching changes: Mike McCoy’s firing led to the hiring of Anthony Lynn in 2017, signaling a shift in team culture and strategy.
• Future implications: The 2016 season underscored the importance of stadium negotiations and market viability in modern NFL franchise management.