Chargers Hire Mike McDaniel as Offensive Coordinator to Unlock Justin Herbert's Potential

McDaniel, known for his innovative offenses, aims to take pressure off the star QB and elevate the Chargers' attack.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:39pm

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The Los Angeles Chargers have hired Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator, with the goal of helping star quarterback Justin Herbert reach new heights. McDaniel, who previously served as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, chose the Chargers job over several other opportunities because he believes the combination of Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, Herbert's talent, and the team's young core make it the perfect situation to showcase his offensive expertise.

Why it matters

The Chargers have been knocking on the door of the NFL's elite for years, but have yet to break through. Bringing in an innovative offensive mind like McDaniel could be the key to unlocking Herbert's full potential and elevating the Chargers into championship contention.

The details

McDaniel plans to implement an offense that takes pressure off Herbert and allows him to thrive without having to make "incredible plays" on every down. The new coordinator wants to create an efficient, "low-cost, high-reward" system that maximizes Herbert's talents while also keeping him safer from the heavy sack totals he's endured in recent seasons.

  • McDaniel was hired by the Chargers in January 2026 after his tenure as Dolphins head coach ended.
  • Herbert is entering his 7th NFL season with the Chargers in 2026.

The players

Mike McDaniel

The new offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, known for his innovative offensive schemes and ability to get the most out of his quarterbacks.

Justin Herbert

The star quarterback of the Los Angeles Chargers, who has thrown for over 24,800 yards and 163 touchdowns in his first 6 NFL seasons.

Jim Harbaugh

The head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, who brought in McDaniel to help elevate the team's offense and support Herbert's development.

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What they’re saying

“You have a competitive player that each and every year is trying to get better at his craft, (but) I think he hasn't neared the ceiling to what he's capable of.”

— Mike McDaniel, Offensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers (nbclosangeles.com)

“There's a lot of incredible plays Justin has made. He's firmly capable, and sometimes as a coach you can rely upon that a little too much. … It can be taxing over time for a player to necessitate an incredible play too often, so you try to take it off of him by creating some low-cost, high-reward offense that he's firmly capable of doing, but maybe a player of lesser talent would be capable of doing as well.”

— Mike McDaniel, Offensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers (nbclosangeles.com)

“I feel like we're the same guy. He's just taller. No, I think one thing we share is that Jim has never patterned himself after somebody. He's his own person, and I would say that hopefully I would be described in a similar fashion. Who knows? I might be a 100% Dockers coach now.”

— Mike McDaniel (nbclosangeles.com)

What’s next

McDaniel and Herbert will work closely together in the offseason to install the new offensive system, with the goal of helping the Chargers take the next step and become a championship contender in 2026.

The takeaway

By bringing in an innovative offensive mind like Mike McDaniel, the Chargers are making a clear commitment to maximizing the talents of their star quarterback Justin Herbert and elevating the team's offense to new heights. If the partnership between McDaniel and Harbaugh flourishes, it could be the key ingredient to push the Chargers into the NFL's upper echelon.