Harbaugh Praises Chargers OC McDaniel's Expertise

Head coach highlights new coordinator's football knowledge and potential impact on offense

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:39am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football play, with sharp planes of navy, powder blue, and gold representing the players, field, and movement of the game.Harbaugh's praise for new OC McDaniel's innovative offensive approach hints at an exciting new era for the Chargers' attack.Los Angeles Today

In his first comments since the Chargers hired Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator, head coach Jim Harbaugh praised McDaniel's deep football expertise and how he believes McDaniel's scheme will benefit quarterback Justin Herbert and the team's rushing attack.

Why it matters

McDaniel's arrival in Los Angeles signals a philosophical shift for the Chargers' offense, moving away from a pure dropback passing game towards a more balanced attack that better utilizes Herbert's skills and the team's running game. Harbaugh's endorsement of McDaniel's knowledge and approach suggests the Chargers are poised to field a high-powered offense in 2026.

The details

Harbaugh highlighted McDaniel's mastery of defensive schemes and coverages, as well as his expertise in coordinating the timing and mechanics of the passing game, run blocking, and play-action. The head coach believes McDaniel's scheme will make it harder for opposing defenses to immediately transition into pass rush, giving the Chargers' offense an extra beat of time to operate.

  • Chargers hired Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator in February 2026.

The players

Jim Harbaugh

Head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Mike McDaniel

Offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers, known for his expertise in offensive scheme design and player development.

Justin Herbert

Quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, considered one of the league's top young passers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Where to really start would be just how his mind is. Just how much football information, how good it is, his expertise at all positions, and on defense, too.”

— Jim Harbaugh, Head Coach

“It's really great. And it is what I really thought it was, a perfect combination of Mike McDaniel and Justin Herbert.”

— Jim Harbaugh, Head Coach

“It's probably two ways. One, it's just less. Less dropback protection. Straight dropback protection, the defensive line can transition into pass rush immediately.”

— Jim Harbaugh, Head Coach

What’s next

The Chargers will look to unveil their new-look offense led by McDaniel and Herbert when training camp opens in late July.

The takeaway

Harbaugh's glowing review of McDaniel's football acumen and the potential impact of his offensive scheme suggests the Chargers are poised to field one of the NFL's most dynamic attacks in 2026, built around the strengths of their young star quarterback.