Chargers Hire Mike McDaniel as Offensive Coordinator

McDaniel's arrival is expected to unlock new potential in star QB Justin Herbert.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 1:47pm

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The Los Angeles Chargers have hired Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator, a move that has generated significant excitement around the team's offense. McDaniel, known as an innovative and player-friendly play-caller, is expected to simplify the game plan and create more "easy buttons" for star quarterback Justin Herbert, allowing him to play faster and more freely.

Why it matters

The Chargers' offense has at times relied too heavily on Herbert's heroics, leading to inconsistency and late-season fatigue. McDaniel's arrival is seen as a way to maximize Herbert's immense talent by streamlining the scheme and taking pressure off the young QB.

The details

McDaniel, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins, is known for his ability to scheme around his personnel and create simple, effective game plans. He has emphasized the need to not ask too much of Herbert, instead focusing on setting up "easy buttons" that will allow the QB to play with more confidence and less stress.

  • McDaniel was hired as the Chargers' new offensive coordinator in February 2026.

The players

Mike McDaniel

An innovative offensive coordinator who previously worked with Tua Tagovailoa in Miami and is now tasked with unlocking the full potential of Chargers QB Justin Herbert.

Justin Herbert

The star quarterback of the Los Angeles Chargers, known for his immense talent but who has at times been asked to do too much in the team's offense.

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What they’re saying

“There's going to be a remarkable increase in easy buttons in the Chargers offense. The oneness on Herbert is going to drop dramatically, which is going to help him not hurt as much at the end of the season, run faster and more free, he's not going to feel tight and has to avoid the picks. The ceiling is the roof, I'm thrilled.”

— Ben Solak, ESPN Analyst

“I don't think we know exactly what McDaniel's offense, what he wants it to look like. He was scheming around his personnel, which is what great coaches do, in Miami. Now, he can almost do whatever he wants. I think that makes sense, set up those easy buttons for him.”

— Sheil Kapadia, The Ringer Analyst

What’s next

The Chargers are expected to make upgrades to the interior of their offensive line this offseason to further support Herbert, and McDaniel will likely look to add some additional skill position weapons through free agency and the draft to maximize the offense's potential.

The takeaway

The hiring of Mike McDaniel as the Chargers' new offensive coordinator represents an exciting new chapter for the team's high-powered offense. By simplifying the scheme and creating more "easy buttons" for star QB Justin Herbert, McDaniel is poised to unlock new levels of production and consistency from one of the NFL's most talented young passers.