Chargers Bolster Coaching Staff with 8 New Hires

Harbaugh brings in ex-Jets coach Adam Gase and several assistants from Mike McDaniel's Dolphins staff

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has made significant changes to his coaching staff, adding eight new hires including former New York Jets head coach Adam Gase and several assistants who previously worked under new Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel in Miami.

Why it matters

Harbaugh is looking to build a strong coaching staff to help the Chargers improve on their 8-8 record from last season and compete for a playoff spot in the AFC. The additions of Gase and McDaniel's former assistants suggest Harbaugh is focused on upgrading the offense and bringing in experienced coaches who can help develop the team's young talent.

The details

The eight new Chargers coaches include Gase as a senior offensive assistant, as well as four assistants who worked under McDaniel in Miami - wide receivers coach Wes Welker, tight ends coach Jon Embree, running backs coach Eric Studesville, and offensive line coach Frank Smith.

  • The Chargers announced the new hires on February 20, 2026.

The players

Jim Harbaugh

The head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, looking to build a strong coaching staff to improve the team's performance.

Adam Gase

A senior offensive assistant for the Chargers, previously served as the head coach of the New York Jets.

Mike McDaniel

The new offensive coordinator for the Chargers, previously held the same role with the Miami Dolphins.

Wes Welker

The Chargers' new wide receivers coach, previously held the same role with the Dolphins under McDaniel.

Jon Embree

The Chargers' new tight ends coach, previously held the same role with the Dolphins under McDaniel.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to bring in this group of experienced coaches who will help us take the next step as a team.”

— Jim Harbaugh, Head Coach, Los Angeles Chargers (wn.com)

What’s next

The Chargers will look to integrate the new coaching staff during the offseason program and training camp as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

Harbaugh is making a concerted effort to overhaul the Chargers' coaching staff, bringing in experienced assistants with ties to the new offensive coordinator in an attempt to jumpstart the team's offense and push for a playoff berth in 2026.