The Pro Football Hall of Fame class will be announced on Jan. 31. The San Diego Chargers' Don Coryell is one of 18 finalists.

Don Coryell spent 14 seasons as an NFL head coach. Herb Weitman/USA TODAY Sports

Don Coryell’s unique approach to the passing game earned him the moniker “Air Coryell.” Considered one of the brightest offensive minds in pro football, the Chargers led the NFL in passing seven out of eight seasons under the guidance of Coryell.

This marks the fifth year Coryell is on the Pro Football Hall of Fame ballot. Coryell won five division titles in 14 seasons as a head coach in the NFL, compiling a 114-89-1 record, including the playoffs. He finished 72-60 as the head coach of the Chargers from 1978 to 1986.

Coryell led San Diego to the team’s first two AFC title games in 1980 and 1981, but both times failed to advance to the Super Bowl. He also took the St. Louis Cardinals to division titles in 1974 and 1975.

The Coryell coaching tree includes Super Bowl champions John Madden and Joe Gibbs, along with longtime offensive coordinator Ernie Zampese.

“I think he had tremendous influence on the game, and all you have to do is watch each Sunday and see how the game has evolved since his coaching,” said Coryell’s former quarterback, Dan Fouts.