On January 18, 1973, Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill surprised everyone by announcing the hiring of Don Coryell as the new head coach of the St. Louis Football Cardinals.

The Cardinals were coming off consecutive 4-9-1 seasons under Bob Hollway, who had been fired after the last regular season game. Hollway was let go, in part due to his drab play calling and his inability to choose a starting quarterback. Bidwill admitted that he hired Coryell “to put the offense back in the Cardinals.”

The 48-year old had spent the last 12 seasons directing San Diego State University to a 104-19-2 record. The Aztecs averaged 45 points per game in 1969.

“I like to throw the ball,” Coryell said after the hire. “I’ve gone from ball-control philosophy to a wide-open style. I believe in attacking the defense. I don’t believe in waiting for other people to make mistakes.”

“I believe in the passing game. I’m not a coach who builds on defense. If you’re playing a team with more talent, the only way to win is by throwing the ball well. And I desperately want to win.”

Coryell claimed to have only seen the Cardinals play a few games, but that didn’t prevent him from commenting on former number-one quarterback Jim Hart.