San Diego State University SDSU has an esteemed college football team. San Diego State is part of the highest level of American collegiate football, NCAA "Football Bowl Subdivision" of Division 1 (which was formerly known as Division 1 A). Traditionally, the team, clad in all-black uniforms and red helmets, has played its home games at night, a tradition started during the days of former head coach Don Coryell before the stadium was even opened. There have been attempts in the past to change from "The Look," but all have led to poor play by the Aztecs and a reversion back to the traditional look. Football revenues have been down recently.[1]
Interior of Qualcomm Stadium (San Diego State football game)Current Head Coach: Chuck Long
San Diego State athletics have contributed richly to the National Football League (NFL). Distinguished NFL head coaches were proud members of the Aztec Football program:
Joe Gibbs - Hall of Fame NFL head coach of the Washington Redskins,NASCAR team owner, former Aztec player and assistant coach.
John Madden - Hall of Fame AFL/NFL head coach of the Oakland Raiders, former Aztec assistant coach.
Don Coryell - Former NFL head coach of the San Diego Chargers, former Aztec head coach.
Ted Tollner - Former NFL offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers and San Diego Chargers, former Aztec head coach.
Herman Edwards - NFL head coach of the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs, former Aztec player.
John Fox - NFL head coach of the Carolina Panthers, former Aztec player.
Some of the more famous San Diego State students to later star in the NFL are:
Marshall Faulk - 7-time Pro Bowl running back for the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams.
Dan McGwire - QB was the 16th pick in 1991 by the Seattle Seahawks, playing six years in the NFL. Dan is the brother of former Major League slugger Mark McGwire.
Brian Sipe - NFL quarterback; part of the "Kardiac Kids" for the Cleveland Browns.
Isaac Curtis - 4-time Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals.
See List of San Diego State Football Players
The football team plays at Qualcomm Stadium (formerly known as "Jack Murphy" Stadium). See also The Q