The winds of change are blowing in Los Angeles, and Jim Harbaugh is steering the ship in a new direction.
After Sunday night’s 16-3 loss to the Patriots-a game that felt like a microcosm of the Chargers’ offensive struggles-the team made a decisive move, parting ways with offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Roman had been Harbaugh’s right-hand man going back to their San Francisco days, but after back-to-back playoff flameouts, it’s clear the status quo wasn’t cutting it.
“You need a fresh start to stimulate a new direction,” Harbaugh said Thursday, laying it out plainly.
This isn’t just about one bad night or even one disappointing season. It’s about an offense that hasn’t lived up to the talent it has under center.
And Harbaugh knows it. He was asked about a comment he made last year-that the team had done quarterback Justin Herbert “a disservice” by not putting him in the best position to succeed-and he didn’t back down.
If anything, he doubled down.
“Justin’s talent, Justin’s ability, I have no questions about that,” Harbaugh said. “Winner all the way and, yeah, it’s our responsibility to get up to his level. We’re continually striving to do that.”
That’s a strong endorsement of Herbert, but it also puts the pressure squarely on the coaching staff-past and future. Because for all of Herbert’s arm talent, poise, and football IQ, the Chargers haven’t been able to translate that into postseason success. And now, with Roman out, Harbaugh has a chance to reset the offensive identity of this team.
Whoever gets the nod as the next offensive coordinator will be the fifth Herbert’s worked with since entering the league. That’s a lot of turnover for any quarterback, let alone one expected to be the face of the franchise.
Continuity matters in the NFL, especially when you're trying to build something sustainable. But so does getting it right.
The next hire isn’t just about X’s and O’s. It’s about finding someone who can unlock the full potential of a quarterback who’s already shown flashes of greatness-and do it consistently, especially when the games matter most.
Harbaugh understands that. The Chargers’ margin for error is shrinking, and this move signals a clear intent: no more excuses, no more waiting.
It’s time to build an offense that can match the level Herbert is capable of playing at. And for Harbaugh, that starts now.