The Los Angeles Chargers have been revitalized under head coach Jim Harbaugh, posting back-to-back 11-win seasons and two straight playoff berths. But both seasons ended in disappointing wild-card losses, and there's clearly another level this team can reach. For as great as franchise quarterback Justin Herbert is, he has yet to win a playoff game in six seasons since being selected sixth overall.
The pressure is on this team to get over the hump, and one elite offensive mind was brought in to help change that: Mike McDaniel. Hired as the Chargers' new offensive coordinator, McDaniel has high hopes for the offense in 2026 and recently praised Herbert for "intentionally working at the craft every day," highlighting how he's exceeded McDaniel's expectations since joining the organization. "He's been everything that I'd hoped and more in that regard," McDaniel said.
"We're just finding different things to add to his game each and every day to put the best foot forward in Week 1." More news: Chiefs Face Concerning Injury as Top Breakout Candidate Leaves Practice on Cart More news: Jaguars Suffer Tough Injury Blow as Second-Year RB Ruled Out for Camp McDaniel was the Miami Dolphins' head coach from 2022 to 2025 and was the architect behind one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL, led by Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and De'Von Achane. In his first season leading the Dolphins, Miami finished sixth in total yards at 364.5 per game and ranked fourth in passing yards at 265.4 per game. The following season, the Dolphins led the league in total offense at 401.3 yards per game and ranked second in scoring at 29.2 points per game.
Herbert is a clear upgrade from Tagovailoa, and he's also surrounded by explosive weapons such as Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Oronde Gadsden, and Omarion Hampton. He also has one of the best offensive lines in football, anchored by Pro Bowl tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. There was already a lot of excitement in Los Angeles with how this team has been constructed, but bringing in an offensive mind like McDaniel could help Herbert and this offense unlock a new level.
If McDaniel can translate his offensive creativity to Los Angeles while Herbert continues taking another step forward, the Chargers could finally have the formula to turn regular-season success into a deep playoff run, putting them firmly in the Super Bowl conversation. More news: Raiders QB Kirk Cousins Makes His Feelings on Fernando Mendoza Crystal Clear
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