1986 San Diego Chargers season

The San Diego Chargers season was the franchise's 17th season in the National Football League, and its 27th overall. the team failed to improve on their 8–8 record from 1985. Following a stagnant 1–7 start, Head Coach Don Coryell was fired and Al Saunders was named interim Head Coach. After the season, Saunders was named the permanent Head Coach and would hold the position through the end of the 1988 season. Leslie O'Neal was named Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Preseason

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance
1	August 9	Dallas Cowboys	W 20–0	1–0	Jack Murphy Stadium
2	August 16	[1986 1986 Philadelphia Eagles season\|Philadelphia Eagles season\|Philadelphia Eagles]	W 45–38	2–0	Jack Murphy Stadium
3	August 23	at Los Angeles Rams	L 17–20	2–1	Anaheim Stadium
4	August 29	St. Louis Cardinals	W 24–17	3–1	Jack Murphy Stadium

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

''All game reports use the Pro Football Researchers' gamebook archive as a source.''

With the loss, the Chargers dropped to 1-2 on the season. This would be the Chargers last loss at home to Washington until 2025.

Gary Anderson was the only Charger named to the AFC Pro Bowl squad, making the team as a kick returner. None were named first or second team All-Pro by the Associated Press. Leslie O'Neal won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award with 34 votes; no other play received more than 20.