What Is 1979 Long Beach State 49ers football

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1979 Long Beach State 49ers football team represented California State University, Long Beach during the 1979 NCAA Division I-A season, finishing with a 3–8 record under head coach Dave Currey. The team played its home games at Anaheim Stadium and competed as an independent, scoring 178 total points while allowing 270. The program was discontinued in 1991 due to budget cuts.

Key Facts

1979 Long Beach State 49ers finished with a 3–8 overall record
Head coach Dave Currey led the team in his fifth and final season
Team played home games at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California
Scored 178 points (16.2 per game) and allowed 270 (24.5 per game)
Program discontinued in 1991 after 32 seasons due to budget cuts

Overview

The 1979 Long Beach State 49ers football team represented California State University, Long Beach during the 1979 NCAA Division I-A football season. Competing as an independent with no conference affiliation, the team struggled on both offense and defense, finishing with a 3–8 overall record.

Under head coach Dave Currey, who was in his fifth and final year, the 49ers showed limited offensive firepower and faced tough competition throughout the season. The team played its home games at Anaheim Stadium, sharing the venue with the NFL's Los Angeles Rams, which provided exposure but also logistical challenges.

Season Record: The 1979 49ers finished with a 3–8 overall record, marking their third consecutive losing season under Dave Currey.
Offensive Output: The team scored 178 total points across 11 games, averaging just 16.2 points per game, ranking near the bottom nationally.
Defensive Struggles: Long Beach State allowed 270 points on the season, averaging 24.5 points per game against, indicating defensive vulnerabilities.
Home Venue: All home games were played at Anaheim Stadium, a multi-purpose facility also used by the Los Angeles Rams and Angels.
Program Status: The football program continued until 1991, when it was discontinued due to budget constraints and Title IX compliance issues.

Coaching and Season Structure

The 1979 season was defined by instability and declining performance under head coach Dave Currey, who had led the program since 1975. After a promising start to his tenure, including a 7–4 record in 1976, the team regressed sharply in the following years.

Head Coach:Dave Currey served as head coach from 1975 to 1979, compiling a 20–34 overall record before stepping down after the season.
Offensive Scheme: The 49ers ran a pro-style offense, emphasizing ball control and short passing, but lacked consistent playmakers.
Defensive Alignment: The team primarily used a 4–3 defensive formation, struggling against both the run and pass due to personnel limitations.
Non-Conference Play: As an independent, Long Beach State scheduled opponents from various conferences, including Pacific, San Diego State, and Fresno State.
Home Field Challenges: Playing at Anaheim Stadium meant high rental costs and limited scheduling control, affecting team operations and fan engagement.
Recruiting Base: The program relied heavily on local Southern California talent but faced competition from larger, more established programs.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1979 49ers to other mid-tier independent programs highlights their struggles in scoring and overall competitiveness.

Team	Record (1979)	Points For	Points Against	Head Coach
Long Beach State	3–8	178	270	Dave Currey
San Jose State	7–4	265	217	Walt Harris
New Mexico	6–5	256	239	Dick Clausen
Eastern Michigan	2–9	167	287	Mike Schneider
UTEP	5–6	223	238	Bobby Dobbs

The 49ers ranked poorly in both scoring and defense compared to peers. While teams like San Jose State and UTEP showed balanced performance, Long Beach State struggled to compete consistently. The lack of conference affiliation limited postseason opportunities and media exposure, further isolating the program.

Why It Matters

The 1979 season exemplifies the challenges faced by smaller programs in NCAA Division I-A football, particularly those without conference stability or financial backing. Long Beach State’s football history reflects broader trends in college athletics, where budget priorities and Title IX compliance reshaped program offerings.

Program Legacy: The 49ers football program existed from 1955 to 1991, compiling a 168–180–3 all-time record.
Budget Cuts: In 1991, the university eliminated the football program to save approximately $1.2 million annually.
Title IX Impact: Federal gender equity mandates influenced the decision to cut football, redirecting funds to women's sports.
Alumni Influence: Former players include NFL linebacker Joe Seay and coach George Allen, who contributed to the program’s reputation.
Facility Limitations: Without a dedicated on-campus stadium, the team lacked home-field advantage and fan accessibility.
Historical Context: The 1979 season was part of a decline that foreshadowed the program’s eventual discontinuation a decade later.

Though the 1979 Long Beach State 49ers did not achieve on-field success, their story underscores the financial and structural challenges that continue to affect smaller college football programs today.