The Chargers are making some notable changes to their offensive coaching staff heading into the 2026 season, parting ways with both running backs coach Kiel McDonald and tight ends coach Andy Bischoff.
Kiel McDonald Out After Two Seasons
McDonald’s two-year stint in Los Angeles saw the Chargers’ ground game take meaningful strides in certain areas, even if the overall scoring output left something to be desired. In 2025, the Chargers ranked 11th in total rushing yards (2,067) despite logging just the 14th-most rushing attempts (466).
That efficiency showed up in their 4.4 yards per carry - tied for seventh in the league - and in their ability to generate explosive plays. The team notched 14 runs of 20-plus yards (fourth-most in the NFL) and three runs of 40-plus (fifth-most).
They also moved the chains consistently, finishing 12th in first-down rushes (117), while protecting the ball well with only five rushing fumbles - fifth-fewest league-wide.
One of McDonald’s biggest successes was the development of second-year back Kimani Vidal, who emerged as the team’s lead rusher with a career-high 643 yards and three touchdowns on 155 carries. Vidal’s breakout was a bright spot in a backfield that also saw promising flashes from rookie Omarion Hampton. Despite missing eight games, the first-round pick still managed 545 yards and four touchdowns on 124 attempts - an encouraging sign for the future.
With McDonald on the way out, the Chargers are eyeing potential replacements, and Max McCaffrey - currently an offensive assistant with the Miami Dolphins - is reportedly a strong candidate. McCaffrey has spent the past three seasons under Mike McDaniel in Miami and brings a unique football pedigree.
A former NFL wide receiver himself, Max is the son of longtime Broncos standout Ed McCaffrey and older brother to 49ers star Christian McCaffrey and Commanders wideout Luke McCaffrey. While he’s worked primarily on the offensive side in Miami, a role coaching running backs could be in play if he joins the Chargers’ staff.
Andy Bischoff Also Moving On
Tight ends coach Andy Bischoff won’t be returning for a third season either. While the Chargers’ tight end group had its ups and downs, Bischoff did help guide fifth-round rookie Oronde Gadsden to a standout debut season. Gadsden finished 11th among all tight ends in receiving yards (664) and added three touchdowns on 52 receptions - impressive numbers for a Day 3 pick.
Veteran Will Dissly led the group in 2024 with 481 yards and two scores on 50 catches, but the unit as a whole struggled to consistently produce in the passing game. Still, Gadsden’s emergence gives the Chargers a promising building block at the position.
Bischoff brought a wealth of experience to the role, having previously coached tight ends in New York (Giants), Houston, Chicago, and Baltimore. His departure marks another shift in a Chargers offense that’s clearly looking to retool under new leadership.
Jeff Carpenter Staying Put
One holdover from the current staff will be Jeff Carpenter, who has served as the offensive quality control/tight ends coach since 2024. Carpenter brings a mix of college and NFL experience, having first entered the league as a football operations intern with the Texans in 2014 before returning to Houston as a quality control coach in 2015. His continued presence should offer some continuity, especially for the tight end group as the team evaluates its next hire.
With both McDonald and Bischoff moving on, the Chargers are clearly reshaping their offensive identity. Whether it’s developing young talent like Vidal, Hampton, and Gadsden, or bringing in fresh coaching voices like McCaffrey, Los Angeles appears focused on building a staff that can maximize the potential of its emerging core.